To most people, a family is usually described as a unit consisting of parents and their children. While this is a generic description, it does not always relate to everyone. As a child conceived through egg donation, family to me is the bond between a group of people that are held together by love and affection. The difference between friendship and family is that we get to choose who our friends are but not who our family is. I believe this to be the most valuable part of a relationship between a parent and their child. Neither my parents nor I chose each other in the world, but despite all our differences we undeniably love each other through everything.
Growing up as a child conceived through egg donation, I felt no different than any other kid my age. To this day at age 21, I still don't even think twice about who my real mom and dad are because it is not the genetic connection that keeps us together but rather the emotions we feel. Honestly, it rarely even crosses my mind that I was created through egg donation and when it does, it makes me appreciate the family I have even more. I have not tried to seek out my donor or even find out more information. Before egg donation, my parents tried to have a child and he was not able to live past a couple weeks. I can't even imagine the pain this brings to a mother and father; no parent should outlive their child. Despite all the grief and sadness it brought them, in the end, it made them stronger and they were so determined to have a child even though it seemed impossible.
This is where egg donation falls and why I believe it to be a truly beautiful process to donate eggs, even if people donate eggs for money. I'm not sure how much you get for donating eggs and I know that the IVF cost is great but the gift is immeasurable. Imagine giving a baby to a couple that can't conceive a child and the happiness that comes with it. There are very few things as pure and joyful as that feeling, and I'm glad to be part of a family that at first might seem ordinary but is in fact extraordinary.
Family Album
.png?width=150&height=150&name=Open-Door-Badge_Beyond-Inclusion-LGBTQ-101%20(1).png "Open-Door-Badge_Beyond-Inclusion-LGBTQ-101"){kind=icon}
