Jess Bierschank

Author, IVF Mom & Donor-Conception Advocate

Jess Bierschank is a donor-conception advocate and the author of Leo Asks Big Questions: A Conception Story. She and her wife are raising their donor-conceived son, whose inquisitive, confident personality inspired the character of Leo.

Jess wrote the book she couldn't find for her own son: a story told from the child's point of view, with honest words for how families begin. Her approach is shaped by listening to donor-conceived adults, who say they wanted to be told early, in simple and truthful language, with their curiosity welcomed.

Before writing Leo, Jess volunteered with The Landing in Greenwood, Indiana, leading support groups for young people, an experience that taught her how much children need room to ask big questions and be heard. She holds a B.S. in Addiction Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University.

She believes every child deserves a story that belongs to them, told in a way that makes them proud.

“I wanted to write a book for the child, one that goes into their world, meets them where they are, and sends them back out knowing exactly who they are and how to say it.”