Mismatched expectations regarding donor anonymity: the implications of Australians crossing-borders for egg donation in South Africa

Some Australian women who require donor oocytes to achieve parenthood travel to South Africa, where egg donors are more readily available and egg donation comparatively affordable. In South Africa, egg donation arranged through donor agencies or egg banks is anonymous, whereas Australian las does not permit donor anonymity. This study explored Australian recipients' views on the implications of donor anonymity for their children, including the potential for future donor identification through direct-to-consumer genetic testing and social media. It also examined whether South African infertility counsellors, inform donors about possible future identification. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve Australian egg recipient parents, twelve South African egg donors, and nine South African counsellors between 2021 and 2023, and analysed thematically. Australian recipients commonly hoped their donor-conceived children might learn the donor's identity and some had already engaged in online sleuthing or anticipated future identification through genetic testing. In contrast, South African donors generally expected anonymity to be permanent and expressed mixed feelings about potential future contact. Counsellors reported that identification risks were not consistently discussed with donors. This mismatch in expectations may have psychological consequences for all parties, highlighting the need for more robust implications counselling in cross-border egg donation arrangements.