Carolyn and her husband John would soon be telling their two-and-a-half year old son that he was conceived by donor insemination

John with his son Reuben Carolyn with baby Reuben just shortly after his birth

Carolyn and John Stephenson had been trying to conceive for a while, and though they were young (early 30's) they went to their GP when nothing was happening. They were shell-shocked to be told that John's sperm count was nil and to deal with the life-changing news that they would never have children who were biologically theirs.

After an awful lot of consideration they decided to take the route of donor insemination. Carolyn became pregnant with Reuben almost immediately and she and John have been incredibly happy and contented since his birth.

But soon they will be faced with the question: How to tell Reuben about his background?


Listen to the Stephenson's story




More information

"At the moment the H.F.E.A., Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, is obliged by law to preserve the anonymity of the donor."