Choosing a Donor in IVF: Genetics, Risk & What Really Matters (Part 2)

Most people naturally focus on photos and eye color when choosing a donor. It’s the first thing you see and it feels concrete. But if that’s all you focus on, it’s easy to overlook some of the genetics and long‑term implications that may matter even more for your family. In Part 2 of my conversation with social scientist and philosopher Jonathan Anomaly, we talk about how to think about donor eggs, donor sperm, and genetics in a way that actually helps you choose a donor. Jonathan works with a company developing and researching embryo testing tools, so he sits at the intersection of ethics, economics, and genetics. In this episode, we cover: – Why it's especially important, when you're choosing a donor, to look beyond photos and understand their medical and family history. – What to pay attention to in a donor’s medical and family history (and what matters less than you might think) – How donor screening and embryo testing can work together – and where it’s overkill – Common decision traps: getting stuck on looks, “vibe,” or minor traits while ignoring long‑term implications – A high‑level framework for choosing a donor that looks beyond photos Our goal is not to tell you which donor to pick, but to give you a clearer framework so you feel less lost and more grounded in what really matters for your family. ⚠️ Important: This episode is for education and reflection only. It is not medical, genetic, or legal advice. Always discuss your specific situation with your own care team. 🎓 Donor Conception Masterclass – Walk Through the Full 5‑Step Process In this conversation I share parts of my 5‑step framework for choosing a donor. If you’re in the middle of donor selection (or know you’ll be there soon) and want to walk through all 5 steps with worksheets, examples, and support, that’s exactly what I do in my Donor Conception Masterclass. 👉 Learn more and join here: https://familybuilding.net/donor-conception-masterclass/ Learn more about Jonathan & Herasight Jonathan Anomaly: https://jonathan-anomaly.com/ Herasight: https://www.herasight.com/ About Lisa Lisa Schuman, LCSW, is the founder of the Building Your Family community, an expert‑led platform that provides evidence‑based education and support for people using fertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy – including LGBTQ+ families and single parents by choice. She is also the Director of The Center for Family Building, where she and her team provide counseling and screening for intended parents, gestational carriers, and donors. Join the Building Your Family Community:  https://familybuilding.net/building-your-family-community/ Community Events: https://familybuilding.net/events-page/ The Center For Family Building: https://familybuilding.net/ Order Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/buildin... Follow on Instagram: @thecenterforfamilybuilding The Building Your Family Podcast and content posted by Lisa Schuman is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. #DonorConception #EggDonation #SpermDonation #EmbryoDonation #IVF #EmbryoTesting #FertilityTreatment #GeneticTesting #InfertilitySupport #BuildingYourFamily