Whose Genetics Will the Baby Inherit in Egg Donation?

Infertility is a difficult and bitter experience that many women and couples face. Fortunately, medical science, with various solutions such as surrogacy and egg donation, has been able to take a significant step towards treating infertility. Egg donation is one of the modern methods used for women who do not have fertile eggs but whose husbands have no fertility problems. This treatment method comes with many ambiguities and questions for many people, which we will fully address in this article. So, stay with us.

Whose DNA Will the Baby Have?

One of the most important questions that arises for couples when this treatment method is suggested is: Whose DNA will the baby belong to? Will the donor egg have the DNA of its parents? In answer to this question, it must be said that the baby will have the DNA of those involved in the fertilization process. That is, the baby will have the DNA of the donor egg and the sperm, and it will not be genetically related to the infertile woman (the recipient). This may be a little upsetting at first glance, but keep in mind that genetics is only a part of the pregnancy and child development journey, and you can have a much greater influence on the child.



Who Will the Baby Born from a Donor Egg Resemble?

In response to this question, resemblance should be divided into two categories: physical resemblance and temperamental/behavioral resemblance. In terms of physical resemblance, the situation is similar to genetics, and the child will physically resemble the father and the egg donor. However, conditions during pregnancy can also affect the child's characteristics. Various factors such as the mother's mental state, her physical condition, the mother's nutrition, stress, and other factors will influence the child's development. As you know, many women talk to their baby during pregnancy. It is interesting to know that this talking will affect the fetus. Therefore, since the fetus grows in the mother's body, the mother will have a great influence on the child's temperament and development. In many cases, couples look for a donor with physical characteristics similar to the mother to increase the child's resemblance to her. For example, if the mother has light skin or brown eyes, an egg from a person with similar characteristics can be selected from the egg bank.



Is it Possible to Donate an Egg in the Presence of Genetic Problems?

When a woman visits a treatment center to donate an egg, various tests are performed on her to confirm her complete health. If genetic diseases exist, there is a possibility of transmitting them to the fetus; therefore, this must be prevented from the very beginning.

Read more: IVF with Donor Eggs: A Hopeful Solution for Infertile Couples

Mother's Emotional Bond with the Baby in Egg Donation

Many women worry that they will not be able to establish a suitable emotional bond with the fetus and the child after birth when they conceive using donor eggs. Most women who have experienced pregnancy with this treatment method believe that love for the baby and the emotional connection began to form from the very first moment of pregnancy. Even if the baby is not genetically like you, you carry them in your body for nine months, and they are nourished by your body. Furthermore, the bond between the woman and the baby after birth is established profoundly through attention, kissing, breastfeeding, and embracing. Maternal love is not limited to genetics; it is a much deeper and stronger connection.



Baby's Health and Genetic Risks

The health of the baby in egg donation depends on several factors. In the first case, the baby's genetic health depends on the health of the donor egg and the sperm. Since volunteer women undergo multiple tests, the probability of genetic problems is significantly reduced. On the other hand, the baby's health will depend on the condition of the uterus and the mother's physical condition during pregnancy. Women should have enough rest and sleep during pregnancy. Their nutrition should be appropriate and nourishing. They should have enough physical activity, such as daily walking. They should absolutely not consume alcohol or tobacco. Periodic check-ups and examinations by a specialist doctor should also be performed at specified and necessary times.



How to Choose a Suitable Donor?

There are two methods for selecting an egg. Some couples prefer to receive the donated egg from a family member, such as a sister or a first-degree relative, so that the physical appearance and genetic characteristics of the child are similar to the mother. Other couples prefer to use egg banks in infertility treatment centers. In these situations, the identity of the donor woman remains confidential. Couples can only know the genetic characteristics of the egg donor to select a donor similar to the mother. Another important point is that volunteer women, in addition to medical examinations, are also checked psychologically and for their criminal background to completely assure the couples who intend to conceive through this method.

Legal, Religious, and Ethical Issues in Egg Donation

Pregnancy through egg donation faces challenges in Iran and many countries worldwide. This pregnancy method is still not accepted by some individuals. You should know that this treatment method is accepted by most Marja' al-Taqlids (Sources of Emulation), such as Ayatollah Khamenei, provided that the insemination is done outside the body of non-mahram man and woman and no unlawful touching or looking occurs between them.

From a legal perspective, there are also specific laws for egg donation to protect the rights of all individuals. For example, preventing the transmission of genetic diseases and ensuring egg health, ensuring the donor's psychological health, checking the donor's criminal record and selecting a person without a criminal history, supporting the mother and child, performing all medical procedures for the donor free of charge, maintaining the donor's privacy, and usually paying a fee to the donor in exchange for the egg are among the regulations of this treatment method.

Read more: Pros and Cons of Using Donor Egg

Conclusion

Egg donation is a reliable and effective treatment method for women who are unable to conceive using their own eggs for various reasons. In this method, the child's genetics are related to the father and the donor egg, but the mother's role in the fetus's growth, health, and emotional bond with the child is also very important.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the identity of egg donor women revealed?

No, the identity of egg donor women remains completely confidential, and this is one of the rules for protecting their privacy.

Who does the baby resemble in a donor egg pregnancy?

The baby will physically resemble the genetic father and the egg donor woman. The mother will have a great influence on the fetus and child in terms of behavior and emotional connection.

Can the egg donor be chosen?

In some infertility treatment centers, couples can introduce one of their friends or relatives who is genetically close to them to donate the egg.

What can I do for the child to physically resemble me?

The genetic and physical characteristics of donor women are available in the egg bank. You can choose the egg of a woman who has a strong physical resemblance to you in terms of skin color, hair, and other factors.

Is the baby's health different in this method compared to other babies?

No, the baby is exactly similar to other infants, both during the fetal stage and after birth, and there is no difference.