A retrospective analysis of shared oocyte donation from the IVF donor perspective

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Little research is available on the experience of fertility patients who share their oocytes in exchange for financial assistance during treatment, especially in the United States. Some critics speculate that offering this option coerces patients who could not afford to undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and that they may later regret their decision. The purpose of this study is to assess the subjective experience of donor participants in a shared oocyte donor program, including women's motivation to donate and overall satisfaction with the experience.DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study using an anonymous questionnaire at two IVF programs. The survey was designed to describe the characteristics of shared donors, their perceived experience and satisfaction with donation. All donors received psychological counseling and assessment prior to donation.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 134 women were identified at two IVF programs who participated in a shared oocyte donor program from 1994-2007. Thirty-two participants were able to be contacted by telephone and agreed to receive an anonymous survey by mail. All those contacted agreed to participate, and 18 surveys were returned (56%).RESULTS: Shared donors’ mean age at the time of donation was 29 years (range 22-34), 67% (12/18) were college educated, most were married (94%; 17/18), most had children (72%; 13/18), and all were Caucasian. Following donation, 14 donors had live births (77%); 4 (28%) of these were multiples (3 twin, 1 triplet). Regarding their perceived experience, 94% (17/18) acknowledged financial factors contributed to their decision to donate, while all stated the desire to help another infertile couple was an important motivation. No participant felt regret for donating. All felt well informed about risks/benefits, felt the clinic staff acted in their best interests, and considered donation similar to giving a gift.CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to concerns voiced by critics of shared oocyte donation, these results indicate that although financial factors were relevant to donation, none of the donors regretted their decision, including donors that did not have a successful pregnancy. Donors perceived no psychological harm or coercion, and felt positive about their experience. This preliminary study indicates that shared oocyte donation is a viable option for IVF patients who are counseled. Longitudinal research is needed in this area. OBJECTIVE: Little research is available on the experience of fertility patients who share their oocytes in exchange for financial assistance during treatment, especially in the United States. Some critics speculate that offering this option coerces patients who could not afford to undergo in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and that they may later regret their decision. The purpose of this study is to assess the subjective experience of donor participants in a shared oocyte donor program, including women's motivation to donate and overall satisfaction with the experience. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study using an anonymous questionnaire at two IVF programs. The survey was designed to describe the characteristics of shared donors, their perceived experience and satisfaction with donation. All donors received psychological counseling and assessment prior to donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 134 women were identified at two IVF programs who participated in a shared oocyte donor program from 1994-2007. Thirty-two participants were able to be contacted by telephone and agreed to receive an anonymous survey by mail. All those contacted agreed to participate, and 18 surveys were returned (56%). RESULTS: Shared donors’ mean age at the time of donation was 29 years (range 22-34), 67% (12/18) were college educated, most were married (94%; 17/18), most had children (72%; 13/18), and all were Caucasian. Following donation, 14 donors had live births (77%); 4 (28%) of these were multiples (3 twin, 1 triplet). Regarding their perceived experience, 94% (17/18) acknowledged financial factors contributed to their decision to donate, while all stated the desire to help another infertile couple was an important motivation. No participant felt regret for donating. All felt well informed about risks/benefits, felt the clinic staff acted in their best interests, and considered donation similar to giving a gift. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to concerns voiced by critics of shared oocyte donation, these results indicate that although financial factors were relevant to donation, none of the donors regretted their decision, including donors that did not have a successful pregnancy. Donors perceived no psychological harm or coercion, and felt positive about their experience. This preliminary study indicates that shared oocyte donation is a viable option for IVF patients who are counseled. Longitudinal research is needed in this area.