F. Khamsi et al., SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL-ASPECTS OF OOCYTE DONATION FROM KNOWN DONORS ON ALTRUISTIC BASIS, Fertility and sterility, 68(2), 1997, pp. 323-327
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.