Donating embryos to someone you care about is a meaningful act. Whether the intended parents are close friends or relatives, you might wonder what your role becomes afterward. Questions about legal rights, shared values and staying in contact often come up, especially in known donations. Being clear on what to expect helps you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Your legal role ends after donation
Once the donation is complete, your name will not appear on the birth certificate. You will not take part in decisions about medical care, school enrollment or anything related to raising the child, such as choosing a pediatrician, deciding on a name or making education plans. The intended parents take full legal responsibility. Even if the child shares your DNA, the law recognizes only the parents listed in the agreement. Legal documents settle this in advance so everyone understands their role.
Parenting preferences are not guaranteed
You may want the child to learn about your culture, speak your language or grow up with certain values. This might include asking that the child be raised in a specific religion, follow a particular diet or maintain ties to your family’s traditions. While you can discuss these hopes during the planning stage, they do not become legal promises. Once the child is born, the parents decide how they raise them. Known donations can involve strong personal ties, which makes these conversations important early on. A clear agreement helps avoid conflict later if parenting choices change.
Future contact must be addressed early
There is no legal rule that says you will receive updates or stay in touch. Some parents choose to share photos or stay in contact. Others prefer more privacy. If regular check-ins or occasional updates matter to you, agree on the details before moving forward. This can mean setting expectations around milestone texts, yearly photos or meeting for lunch once a year—whatever both sides feel comfortable with. Setting expectations about how and when to communicate helps avoid confusion.
Clear agreements protect everyone involved
Donating embryos is a generous decision. Agreeing early on your role, contact plans and shared boundaries gives everyone more clarity and helps avoid tension as the child grows.