ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Tiffany Gardner. In 2018, just before my 36th birthday, my mom disclosed that I was conceived through the use of an anonymous sperm donor. This shocking news unraveled my sense of identity, having grown up with the belief that my biological father died of colon cancer when I was four.

I was raised by my biological mother and adoptive step-father and never needed a genetic connection to love him (or consider him Dad), but I always wondered about the traits I shared with my deceased biological father. Learning that my actual biological father was an anonymous sperm donor and might still be alive sent me on an immediate journey to identify him and make contact.

I identified my biological father, who lives only 40 minutes away. We formed a close friendship for one year, but his closest family members did not approve, causing him to abruptly end all contact with me. Two months later, the father who raised me died of cancer.

The heartbreaking results of my journey led me to become an advocate on behalf of donor conceived people and to support the abolition of anonymous gamete donation. I want other donor conceived people to have a better outcome and, if they wish, the opportunity to have an ongoing connection with their genetic family.

I live in Atlanta with my husband of 17 years and our three sons. I enjoy spending time with my family, including a donor conceived half brother I identified in 2019 and who lives just down the road. I work as an attorney, and in my free time I volunteer as president/CEO and vice president of communications for U.S. Donor Conceived Council.

*The views and opinions expressed on this page are solely my own and do not represent the views and opinions of my full-time employer. Unless otherwise indicated, the views and opinions expressed do not represent those of U.S. Donor Conceived Council.