SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL-ASPECTS OF OOCYTE DONATION FROM KNOWN DONORS ON ALTRUISTIC BASIS

Objective: To survey a sample of couples along with their chosen oocyt e donors regarding psychological variables. Design: Patients in an inf ertility clinic were interviewed by a counselor using a semistructured interview format designed to gather systematic data. Setting: Inferti lity clinic. Patient(s): Ten recipient couples along with their donors were seen. Result(s): Oocyte recipients ranged in age from 30 to 49 y ears with a mean age of 40 years. Oocyte donors ranged in age from 21- 34 years with a mean age of 29 years. Eighty percent of donors were ma rried or involved in a serious relationship; 90% of donors had at leas t one child. The major reason for acting as a donor was altruism. Anon ymity was a primary concern for recipients and donors: 80% of the samp le had not confided in anyone at the present time. 70% did not intend to disclose any information at any time; 80% did not plan to inform th e child, while 20% were undecided at the present time; and 90% indicat ed good to excellent support systems. Conclusion(s): The present study provides significant information regarding Canadian couples undergoin g the oocyte donation program with known donors. (C) 1997 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.