Report
The Psychological Adjustment of Donor-Conceived Offspring of Lesbian Parents Over Two Decades
Differences by donor type and contact with the donor
April 2025
Using data from the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS), this study examines the stability of psychological adjustment among offspring of lesbian parents conceived using an anonymous, known, or open-identity sperm donor and the impact of donor contact. It appeared in Reproductive BioMedicine Online in April 2025.
Highlights
Problem behaviors decreased during adolescence for all donor types.
Problem behaviors increased in emerging adulthood then stabilized in established adulthood.
Donor type and contact with the donor did not significantly impact behavioral outcomes.