HFEA.gov.uk uses cookies to deliver content and make improvements to the website. Accept Configure Menu toggle Finding out about your donor and genetic siblings We collect information from people who donate at licensed UK fertility clinics. On this page you can find out what information we hold on your donor and any donor-conceived siblings you might have and how to access it. Click to show and hide content What information can I request about my donor? If you’re aged 16 or over, you can ask for information about your donor and any donor-conceived siblings you may have. The type of information we may hold about your origins depends on when you were conceived, as the information donors were required to give us has changed over the years. Unfortunately, we don’t hold any information about people who donated before 1 August 1991 as that’s when the HFEA was set up. However, you may wish to contact the Donor Conceived Register. The UK-based Donor Conceived Register (DCR) matches donors and donor-conceived people and/or donor-conceived people sharing the same donor using accredited DNA testing, and provides counselling and peer support. The DCR has historically been intended for anyone who donated in a UK clinic or was conceived following treatment in a UK clinic before August 1991. Those that were conceived or who donated after 1 August 1991 may also find matches if their donor also donated before the HFEA was set up. The registrants of the Donor Conceived Register also have their own website. Key facts: We don't hold any information on people who donated before 1 August 1991. The type of information you can request depends on when you were conceived. Contact our support service for advice from an expert in donation issues. If you were conceived between 1 August 1991 and 31 March 2005 Click to show and hide content If you were conceived after 1 April 2005 Click to show and hide content Donors can find out the number, gender and year of birth of any donor-conceived children 9 You could have one or more donor-conceived genetic siblings in up to nine separate families, or you could have none Click to show and hide content What information can I request about my donor-conceived siblings? If your donor donated to any other families, you may have siblings you’re genetically related to. To find out whether you do have any donor-conceived siblings you'll need to apply to us for this information. Once we’ve confirmed that you do have donor-conceived siblings, if you’re over 16 you can find out: how many donor-conceived siblings you have their sex their year of birth At 18 you can join our Donor Sibling Link, which allows people conceived with the help of a donor to find their genetic siblings and share contact details. Register for Donor Sibling Link Click to show and hide content How can I avoid having a relationship with a donor-conceived sibling? If you’re over 16 and are thinking about starting a physical relationship with someone, you can make a joint application to us to find out if you’re genetically related. Apply for information Click to show and hide content What if I’m not old enough to apply for information? If you’re under 16 and feel ready to learn about your origins, you can ask your parent/s to request information from us on your behalf. Parents are entitled to this information because they are seen as having your best interests at heart. Your parent/s can find out only anonymous information about your donor – including your donor’s: height hair colour occupation goodwill message pen portrait. Your parents can also find out the number, if any, of donor-conceived siblings you have who were conceived by your same donor (this does not include the donor’s legal/natural children). They cannot find out identifying information about your donor. Finding out about your child's donor or donor-conceived siblings When you turn 18 you'll be able to apply to receive identifying information about your donor, if it's available. If you're under 16, your parents can apply to us for information on your behalf What do I need to do before requesting information? Click to show and hide content Where to go for support: Click to show and hide content I’m ready - how do I apply for information on my donor or genetic siblings? Click to show and hide content ; Where next? Apply for information Get support and advice Donor Sibling Link From our partners Support for donor-conceived people and their families (Donor Conception Network) Donor information from before August 1991 (Donor Conceived Register) Find an accredited infertility counsellor (BICA) ; Review date: 18 November 2023 Send to a friend Print this page Was this article helpful? We'd like to make sure you are receiving information you are looking for. 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