Beyond the disclosure debate in donor-conception: how do we help families to discuss origin stories with their children?

This article focuses on the challenges donor-conceived families face in discussing origin stories with their children, emphasizing the need to address not only what and when to disclose but also how to communicate these narratives. It highlights that elaborative reminiscing—a detailed, interactive style of storytelling that supports autobiographical memory and identity development—may be particularly beneficial in helping donor-conceived children build a coherent sense of self. Current research shows that late or accidental disclosure can negatively impact identity, while early, open, and elaborative conversations foster better psychological outcomes. The article argues that fertility counsellors could enhance their support for families by incorporating developmental psychology insights on elaborative reminiscing to guide origin storytelling as an ongoing, dialogical process.