Introduction
One of the most important decisions in egg donation is whether to use an anonymous donor or a known donor. For Indian intended parents, this choice is shaped not only by medical and legal issues but also by cultural expectations, family involvement, and future child disclosure.
This guide explores the advantages and disadvantages of each path and provides insights to help families make the right choice.
What Is an Anonymous Donor?
• Identity is not shared with intended parents or future child.
• Only non-identifying details (age, education, ethnicity, medical history) are disclosed.
• Donor has no future contact with the child.What Is a Known Donor?
What Is a Known Donor?
• The donor is personally known to the parents (e.g., a friend, cousin, or relative).
• The donor’s identity is disclosed, and in some cases, the child may know them.
• Relationships may be ongoing or limited by legal agreements.
Pros and Cons of Anonymous Donors
Pros:
• Greater privacy for parents.
• Clear legal separation between donor and child.
• More availability of Indian donors through agencies like IndianEggDonors.com.
• Lower emotional complications with family or friends.
Cons:
• Child may later seek donor identity.
• Less personal connection or knowledge about donor’s personality.
Pros and Cons of Known Donors
Pros:
• More personal connection and genetic familiarity.
• Greater openness for the child’s identity development.
• Sometimes lower cost (if donor is a family member).
Cons:
• Risk of future emotional complications.
• Potential family tension or stigma in Indian cultural settings.
• Legal complexities if donor does not fully relinquish rights.
The Legal Landscape
• In the USA, contracts ensure donors relinquish all parental rights, whether anonymous or known.
• Open-identity donation allows the child to contact the donor at age 18, if agreed upon.
• Indian parents must carefully weigh the long-term implications for family harmony.
Cultural Considerations for Indian Families
• In many Indian communities, secrecy and privacy are prioritized.
• Known donors may create family tension or pressure, especially if relatives are involved.
• Anonymous donors often provide a more comfortable option for parents who wish to
avoid stigma.
Case Study – Anonymous vs. Known
Anonymous Donor:
Anjali and Ramesh in California chose an anonymous Indian donor through ndianEggDonors.com. They valued privacy, avoided family pressure, and today are raising a healthy son without external complications.
Known Donor:
Meera and Raj in New Jersey used Raj’s cousin as a donor. While medically successful, family tensions later arose when the cousin felt she deserved special recognition in the child’s life.
Testimonials
“We chose an anonymous donor and never looked back. It gave us peace of mind.” – V.D., Parent, TX
“Using a known donor seemed good at first, but it created emotional baggage we didn’t expect.” – A.P., Parent, NJ
FAQ
Q : Can Indian parents use relatives as egg donors?
A : Yes, but it often complicates family relationships. Legal contracts are essential.
Q : Do anonymous donors ever contact the child?
A : No, unless parents choose an open-identity option.
Q : Which is more common for Indian families?
A : Anonymous donors, due to privacy and cultural stigma.
Q : Can a child later find out about the donor?
A : Some genetic testing companies (like 23andMe) make anonymity harder to guarantee. Parents should plan disclosure strategies.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Choosing between anonymous and known donors is deeply personal. For Indian intended parents, the choice often balances privacy, cultural dynamics, and the child’s future needs. With the right guidance, either option can lead to a successful, loving family.
Get expert help finding the right donor today:
• Call 212-661-7177
• Email info@indianeggdonors.com
• Apply at IndianEggDonors.com

Dr. Pooja Patel
Dr. Pooja Patel is a Chief Surrogacy Coordinator at Surrogacy4all. She has 10 years of experience in Anesthesiology and critical care medicine.
She received her medical degree from Seth GS Medical College and K.E.M Hospital in India. She then completed an internship. She finished her Anesthesia residency at Grant Govt Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals in India.