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Fertility Glossary

Donor conception

Building a family using donated sperm, eggs or embryos.

Donor treatment & family building

Donor conception is used by people with severe gamete factors, premature ovarian insufficiency, genetic conditions, same-sex couples and solo parents. Counselling is a required part of the process in Canadian clinics. Canadian law prohibits paying a donor; only reimbursement of permitted expenses with receipts is allowed.

Also known as: using a donor, donor treatment, third party reproduction

Related Canada guides

Sources

  • Health Canada — Assisted Human Reproduction Act and Reimbursement Related to Assisted Human Reproduction Regulations
  • Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS)

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

Related terms

Donor eggs

Eggs donated by another person, used with IVF.

Donor sperm

Sperm donated by another person, used for IUI or IVF.

Donor reimbursement

Repaying a donor's receipted expenses — the only payment permitted in Canada.

Donor screening

Health, infection and genetic checks required before donation.

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