Disclosure patterns in couples who have conceived via oocyte donation

Nurses promote openness regarding the genetic origins after gamete donation

“…It is possible that parents who have undergone sperm donation may differ from parents who have undergone oocyte donation. A number of studies have indicated that couples who used donor eggs were more inclined to inform their children than parents who used donor sperms (16,17). The present study did not investigate this issue; however, we do know that women who have received donated oocytes are advised to go to a specialist during their pregnancies, and to give birth at a university hospital, because they are at greater risk of preeclampsia and bleeding (18,19).…”

Informing offspring of their conception by gamete donation

“…Studies indicate that many parents who have used donor sperm do not intend to tell their children even though they have disclosed the fact to others (10,(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21). In addition, even though couples who have used donor eggs are more inclined to tell their children about their conception than those who have used donor sperm (4,(21)(22)(23), some couples using donated eggs are nevertheless uncertain whether to tell their children, even though they have told others (23). The possibility of an accidental disclosure also rises with the growing frequency of genetic testing in contemporary medicine.…”

“…Although most recipients in gamete donation currently prefer donor anonymity, when choosing a donor they also typically seek extensive information about donor characteristics and medical history (23,31). It is important for parents who plan to tell their offspring the circumstances of their conception to consider early in the ART process how much information they want to give their children so their expectations will conform with the practices of the facility they use for donated gametes.…”