Ep 304: Eggs, Ethics & Empathy: Unpacking Transparency in Egg Donation

Fertility Docs Uncensored is hosted by Dr. Carrie Bedient from the Fertility Center of Las Vegas , Dr. Susan Hudson from Texas Fertility Center , and Dr. Abby Eblen from Nashville Fertility Center . Today we welcome special guest Lauren Makler, Founder of Cofertility. In this episode of Fertility Docs Uncensored, the doctors sit down with Lauren Makler to explore why transparency is essential in modern egg donation. For years, donor conception carried an unnecessary layer of secrecy. Parents often felt shame discussing the use of an egg donor, and donor-conceived children sometimes internalized guilt or discomfort, feeling that the process was transactional, or that the donor was excluded from any meaningful connection. Lauren explains how the Cofertility model aims to reshape this narrative entirely. Prospective egg donors undergo extensive medical and psychological screening before being accepted. Those who qualify complete an extraordinarily detailed profile allowing families to choose a donor whose values, background, and goals align with theirs. The donor is empowered too since she keeps half of her eggs for future use. Only a limited number of families can match with each donor, and together, donors and recipient families determine their preferred level of ongoing contact. At minimum, recipients receive identifying information, but many matches opt for deeper communication, shared updates, or even in-person meetings over time. This thoughtful, relationship-centered approach helps ensure that donor-conceived children grow up with honesty, openness, and pride in their origin story. Transparency removes shame, strengthens family identity, and honors the donor’s contribution in a meaningful, human way. At its core, every child’s conception however it happens, should be embraced with joy, not secrecy. This podcast was sponsored by Cofertility.