Quality of information for oocyte donors on South African donor agency websites: a content analysis

Abstract

Reproductive travel for gamete donation is becoming increasingly common. South Africa is renowned for its availability and relative affordability of high-quality assisted reproductive technology (ART) services. In South Africa (SA) gamete donation is anonymous by law and donors are compensated. Due to its significant availability of donors, SA is a popular destination for people who need donor gametes. The aim of this study was to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of information for oocyte donors available on donor agency websites in SA. A Google search was performed to compile a list of oocyte donor agency websites and content analysis was used to assess the comprehensiveness of the information for donors. Information on 12 websites was analysed. Overall, wording suggested that oocyte donation is a safe and easy procedure which is a process worth experiencing. Possible physical risks and psychological implications of donating oocytes were either not mentioned or downplayed. No website mentioned if or how donors would be followed up after oocyte retrieval or how they would be cared for in case of complications. No website informed donors about the possibility of genetic testing revealing their identity to a child born from their donation. The lack of transparency about the psychological implications and potential risks of donating oocytes suggests that women who contemplate donating oocytes in SA may not have the information they need to make informed decisions about whether to proceed. Since donor agency websites are potential donors’ primary source of information, they should provide comprehensive information about all aspects of oocyte donation. This should include transparent and comprehensive information about the known physical and psychological risks. Donors also need to know that oocyte donation may have unknown long-term health risks and that direct-to-consumer genetic testing may reveal their identity to children conceived through their donation in the future.