Attitudes toward egg donation of thirty-four infertile women who donated during their in vitro fertilization treatment

Abstract

The attitudes of anonymous infertile egg donors treated on an in vitro fertilization program toward the donation, the recipient, the potential children conceived, and the recording of information were explored by posted questionnaire. All donations were made for altruistic reasons and payment of eggs was not expected or given. The majority of donors (91%) wished to withhold their names from the recipient, but half of the donors would not mind if the child contacted them later. Most donors (94%) had told others of their donation and the keeping of records would appear essential for future possible identification. Some possible differences in attitudes between egg and sperm donors were noted but comparisons are difficult due to basic differences in fertility status and ease of gamete collection. The attitudes and characteristics of a control group of infertile women, who were in a position to donate excess eggs but declined, showed no significant differences from those of the donor group, except that they had a significantly greater number who already had one or more children and were less likely to discuss their possible donation with others.