Fairfax EggBank Director of Clinical Genetics Co-Authors New Publication Calling for Professional Guidance on Medical Updates in Gamete Donation

Published in Genetics in Medicine Open, the expert perspective highlights the need for clearer, more consistent approaches to managing evolving medical and genetic information in third-party reproduction.

FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfax EggBank, a global leader in frozen donor egg banking, announced the publication of a new expert perspective led in part by Rawan I. Awwad, MS, CGC, Director of Clinical Genetics at Fairfax EggBank, in Genetics in Medicine Open, co-authored with Lauren J. Isley, MS, CGC, Katherine Hornberger, MS, CGC, Kara Baldwin, MS, CGC, Lauri Black, MS, CGC, Allison Boyd, MS, CGC, Gina Davis, MS, CGC, Meghan Dean, MS, CGC, Heather Kamen, MS, CGC, Suzanne Seitz MS, CGC, and Daniela Young, MS, CGC.

The article, "Advocating for Professional Guidance on Medical Updates in Gamete Donation: A Perspective from US-Based Genetic Counselors," brings together 11 U.S.-based genetic counselors to examine an increasingly important issue in third-party reproduction: the need for standardized guidance on the evaluation and communication of medically relevant information that emerges after gamete donation, with the goal of ensuring consistent practices across the industry.

Medical and family histories are inherently dynamic. Information collected during the screening of an egg or sperm donor represents what is known at a particular moment in time. After donation, a donor, donor-conceived person, or biological relative may receive a new diagnosis or genetic finding that could have major implications for others who share a genetic relationship.

These situations can raise complex clinical and ethical scenarios for gamete banks, fertility clinics, donors, recipients, and donor-conceived people. Determining how new information should be assessed, when it is medically significant enough to share, how potential genetic risks should be communicated, and how stakeholders should be supported throughout the process is critically important, but highly nuanced with many moving parts.

This newly published perspective calls attention to the need for clearer professional guidance to help reproductive medicine professionals navigate these situations consistently and responsibly as the use of donor gametes continues to evolve.

 "We're calling on professional societies in assisted reproduction to collaborate with experienced medical and genetic professionals to develop evidence-based recommendations for this complex and highly nuanced process," says Awwad. "Our goal is to support intended parents and donor-conceived persons in making informed reproductive and health decisions, help gamete banks maintain appropriate standards for continued donation, and enable clinicians to provide relevant counseling and care."

At Fairfax EggBank, Awwad leads clinical genetics efforts supporting the evaluation of donor genetic and family histories, donor suitability, and the investigation and communication of medical updates. The work reflects Fairfax EggBank's broader commitment to integrating specialized genetics expertise throughout the donor egg process and recognizing that responsible stewardship of donor medical information can extend well beyond the initial donation.

"Medical updates are an important part of the long-term responsibility inherent in donor conception," Awwad added. "As genetic testing becomes more sophisticated and donor-conceived persons increasingly have access to information about their genetic origins, our field needs systems that can evolve alongside that reality."

The publication builds upon ongoing work within reproductive genetics to address the responsibilities associated with new health information after gamete donation and to establish approaches that appropriately consider the needs of all parties involved.

"Advocating for Professional Guidance on Medical Updates in Gamete Donation: A Perspective from US-Based Genetic Counselors" appears in Genetics in Medicine Open, Volume 4, article 104485.

DOI: 10.1016/j.gimo.2026.104485

About Fairfax EggBank

Fairfax EggBank is a leader in frozen donor egg banking, providing intended parents and fertility clinics with access to a diverse selection of rigorously screened egg donors. Fairfax EggBank combines advanced laboratory techniques, comprehensive donor screening, in-house genetics expertise, and dedicated client support to help individuals and families pursue their family-building goals. Based in Fairfax, Virginia, Fairfax EggBank works with fertility clinics and intended parents across the United States and internationally.

SOURCE Fairfax EggBank