Take Part
Our research would not be possible without people sharing their views and experiences of informal donor conception. We will be looking for people in the following groups to take part in interviews:
Professionals whose work involves donor conception
Donors and (intended) parents through informal donor conception
Scroll down for more information about what taking part in an interview involves and how you can volunteer.
Interviews with Professionals
The first phase of the Digital DC study explores how medical, regulatory and third-sector organisations - which are not directly involved in informal donor conception - are evaluating and responding to the growth of this practice. Focussing on the UK, we are analysing publicly-available policies, documents and websites produced by organisations such as the HFEA (the UK's fertility regulator), NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), leading fertility clinic chains, the NHS and NHS clinics, and third sector organisations, such as Donor Conception Network.
In order to better understand the knowledge and processes behind (UK) organisational responses, we would also like to interview professionals with knowledge of and/or who have shaped their organisation's response to IDC.
Taking part in an interview is entirely voluntary. Even if your organisation is encouraging participation, it's your decision.
Interviews usually take 60-90 minutes but we can adapt to the time you have.
Interviews can take place online or in person. It's up to you whether you'd like to do your interview in person or via video call.
The names and details of participants will be kept strictly confidential.
All interviews will be carefully anonymised before analysis. We remove or change all names, places, organisations and other identifying information.
Participants have the option to review and redact a transcript of their interview. This is to ensure you are happy with the level of anonymisation provided.
Participants can opt-in to receiving updates on the outcomes of our research.
From summer 2023, Leah will be reaching out to professionals and organisations to invite participants for interview. Participation is entirely voluntary. Please contact Leah Gilman if you would like any more information or to volunteer for an interview.
Interviews with Donors and (Expectant) Parents through Informal Donor Conception
The second phase of the Digital DC study explores the experiences of people who have used informal donor conception (IDC) to conceive or donate. This includes:
sperm donors who arranged their donation outside of a fertility clinic or sperm bank.
people who have become parents via IDC (your children can be any age)
anyone who has ever conceived (or is the partner of someone who has conceived) following IDC
We are interested in speaking to anyone who thinks of themselves as a parent - whether you or not you are the legal or genetic parent of the child. Likewise, if you think of yourself as a sperm donor or you know that others consider you to be a sperm donor, then we would love to speak to you. The only requirements are that you would be able to take part in an interview in English, are at least eighteen years old and that you live in, or have a connection to, the UK.
In order to understand the way social and cultural contexts (including inequalities) shape people's experiences, it is important to include people with a diverse range of identities and circumstances. We would particularly like to hear from people who we know are under-represented in the wider research about donor conception. This includes, but is not limited to, people with a disability, people from marginalised racial/ethnic backgrounds, people on low incomes and solo parents.
Interviews will explore people's journeys to using IDC, their experiences of the donation/conception, how they discuss IDC with families and friends and their reflections on IDC more generally. The researcher will also ask if you're willing to share and demonstrate how you've used various digital platforms in your donation/conception journey.
Taking part in an interview is entirely voluntary.
Interviews usually take 1.5-2 hours but we can adapt to the time you have.
You will be able to tell your story in your own words. Whilst there are topics we would like to cover, we do not have an exact set of questions to ask. This means we can focus the interview on what is relevant and important to your experience.
Interviews can take place online or in person. It's up to you whether you'd like to do your interview in person or via video call.
Couple interviews are possible for (expectant) parents. If you have a partner who would also like to take part, you can take part in an interview together or individually.
Interviews are flexible. If there's something we can do to make participating more accessible for you, just get in touch and we'll do our best.
The names and details of participants will be kept strictly confidential.
All interviews will be carefully anonymised before analysis. We remove or change all names, places and other identifying information.
Participants have the option to review and redact a transcript of their interview. This is to ensure you are happy with the level of anonymisation provided.
Participants can opt-in to receiving updates on the outcomes of our research.
All participants will receive a £20 voucher in recognition of their time and contribution to the study.
If you would like to take part in an interview, please complete this short expression of interest form and one of the research team will be in touch shortly.
Alternatively, or for more information, please contact Leah Gilman.
Further details can be found on our Participant Information Sheets:
PISP V1.1 Participant Information Sheet Professionals .docxPISU V1.2 Participant Information Sheet Users.docx