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Paulin J, Widbom A, Sydsjö G, Skoog Svanberg A, Lampic C. Psychological well-being and family functioning following identity-release gamete donation or standard IVF: follow-up of parents with adolescent children. HUM FERTIL 2024; 27:2375098. [PMID: 38988202 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2024.2375098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
This study sought to investigate if heterosexual-couple parents with adolescent children following identity-release oocyte donation (OD), sperm donation (SD) or standard IVF differed with regard to psychological distress, family functioning, and parent-child relationships. The prospective longitudinal Swedish Study on Gamete Donation consists of couples recruited when starting treatment between 2005 and 2008 from seven Swedish university hospitals providing gamete donation. This study concerns the fifth wave of data collection and included a total of 205 mothers and fathers with adolescent children following OD (n = 73), SD (n = 67), or IVF with own gametes (n = 65). OD/SD parents had used identity-release donation and most had disclosed the donor conception to their child. Parents answered validated instruments measuring symptoms of anxiety and depression (HADS), family functioning (GF6+) and parent-child relationship. Results found that parents following OD or SD did not differ significantly from IVF-parents with regard to symptoms of anxiety and depression, family functioning, and perceived closeness and conflicts with their child. Irrespective of treatment group, most parents were within normal range on psychological distress and family functioning and reported positive parent-child relationships. However, SD mothers to a larger extent reported anxiety symptoms above cut-off compared to OD mothers (31% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.018). In conclusion, the present results add to previous research by including families with adolescent children following identity-release oocyte and sperm donation, most of whom were aware of their donor conception. Largely, our results confirm that the use of gamete donation does not interfere negatively with mothers' and fathers' psychological well-being and perceived family functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Paulin
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andreas Widbom
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Sydsjö
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Claudia Lampic
- Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Casteels P, Nekkebroeck J, Tournaye H. Perspectives on sperm donor anonymity: insights from donor-conceived adults in Belgium. Hum Reprod 2024:deae160. [PMID: 39008824 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are donor-conceived adults in Belgium interested in obtaining donor information, and do these interests vary based on their family backgrounds? SUMMARY ANSWER Donor-conceived adults express a significant interest in obtaining donor-related information, with the highest interest reported by offspring from heterosexual couples compared to those from lesbian couple-parented or single-parent families. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In Belgium, sperm donation is mainly anonymous, but the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing challenges this anonymity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a cross-sectional study involving an online nationwide survey conducted from July 2022 to October 2023. Participants, aged 18 years and older and being aware of their anonymous sperm donor-conceived status, were recruited through various channels. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 203 participants were included: 62.6% grew up in heterosexual families with infertile fathers, 26.1% with lesbian couples, 8.4% with single parents, and 3.0% in various or diverse family structures. The survey was available in both French and Dutch and consisted of 43 questions, including a mix of yes/no questions and multiple-choice items. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The average age of disclosure was 16.5 years, with notably later disclosure in heterosexual couple-parented households. A substantial 82.8% of donor-conceived individuals expressed a keen interest in obtaining non-personally identifiable donor information, while 69% were curious about personally identifiable donor data. Furthermore, 61.6% conveyed a desire for personal contact with their donors, and 26.6% advocated for the inclusion of the donor's name on their birth certificates. Participants raised in lesbian two-parent families exhibited the lowest level of interest in donor-related information compared with those raised in other family structures. An overwhelming 90.1% wondered about the possibility of having half-siblings from the same sperm donor. Analysis of survey responses on DNA database registration revealed that 55.2% of donor-conceived offspring were already registered, with 68.8% discovering the same donor offspring and 30.4% successfully locating their donors. Compared to individuals from other family structures, those raised in heterosexual couple-parented households exhibit a less positive attitude toward their conception through anonymous sperm donation. About 61.6% of donor-conceived individuals reported experiencing distinct emotions compared to their peers, while 44.1% encountered psychological difficulties related to anonymous sperm donation, primarily attributed to late disclosure. The majority supported the idea of informing the donor about the number of children he facilitated to conceive. Lastly, the study highlighted that 21.2% of donor-conceived adults considered becoming donors themselves, and 31.3% expressed willingness to use an anonymous donor whenever faced with fertility challenges. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our sample size may not fully represent all adults conceived through anonymous sperm donation in Belgium. Participation bias may have influenced the results, especially due to the overrepresentation of participants from heterosexual couples. Additionally, an association exists between individuals raised by heterosexual couples and late disclosure, complicating the analysis by introducing a confounding factor. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the needs and preferences of donor-conceived adults, with significant potential impact on patient education and healthcare policy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Study funding was not obtained for this research. There are no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyline Casteels
- Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Nekkebroeck
- Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Talbot C, Hodson N, Rose J, Bewley S. Comparing the psychological outcomes of donor and non-donor conceived people: A systematic review. BJOG 2024. [PMID: 38936405 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 70 000 donor-conceived (DC) people have been born in the UK since 1991. Little is known about their long-term psychological outcomes and no systematic review has assessed these. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review of the psychological experiences of DC people through childhood and adulthood (Prospero: CRD42021257863). SEARCH STRATEGY Searches of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), the Excerpta Medica database (Embase), MEDLINE® and PsycINFO, conducted on 4 January 2024. SELECTION CRITERIA Quantitative and qualitative studies were included if: there were five or more participants; they were peer reviewed; and any DC psychological outcomes were assessed. No limits on date, language or country were applied. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Double screening, selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed, using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoring. MAIN RESULTS Fifty studies (with 4666 DC participants), mostly from high-income anglophone countries, with heterogeneity of design, populations and outcome measures, were included. Of 19 comparative studies, 14 found no difference in outcomes between DC and non-DC people, ten found better outcomes (in health, well-being, self-esteem and emotional warmth) and six found worse outcomes (increased autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, addiction issues, mental illness, disruptive behaviour and identity problems). Qualitative data revealed common themes relating to identity formation, mistrust and concerns regarding genetic heritage. The evidence regarding adulthood outcomes was very limited. CONCLUSIONS The research on DC individuals presents a nuanced picture, with most studies suggesting comparable or improved outcomes in terms of well-being and relationships, but with a notable minority indicating higher rates of mental health and identity struggles. Qualitative findings underscore common negative experiences, whereas the early disclosure of DC status appears beneficial for psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan Hodson
- Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
| | - Joanne Rose
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health & Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Susan Bewley
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
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Rodino IS, Sanders KA. The influence of avoidant attachment and perceived support on disclosure about involvement in donor-assisted conception to family and friends. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:644-654. [PMID: 36737051 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the attachment-related dimensions Anxiety and Avoidance and perceived partner and social support in recipients and donors influence disclosure to others about their involvement in donor-assisted conception (DAC)? SUMMARY ANSWER A higher global score on attachment Avoidance was associated with greater non-disclosure about involvement in DAC by participants to relationship-specific others. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Within the context of DAC, the topic of disclosure has been investigated in terms of the 'if', 'when', and the 'how' to disclose about circumstances of conception. Less focus, however, has been directed to investigating psychological theoretical frameworks that influence disclosure decisions to others, i.e. to whom information is disclosed and to what extent details are transparently revealed about the donor programme. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was of a cross-sectional design and utilized a sample of 301 participants who were, or had been, involved in DAC, and were recruited across states of Australia. An online self-report questionnaire was completed between June 2014 and June 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS English speaking participants consisting of 209 female recipients and 92 donors (36 sperm; 48 egg; 8 embryo donors). Of the recipients, 104 had successfully conceived children via donated gametes (68 sperm, 23 eggs, 6 embryos, and 7 recipients where both gametes were donated from 2 donors to create the embryo). Participants anonymously completed an online questionnaire consisting of five sections: Demographics, Donor Conception and Disclosure Practices, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structure, the Quality of Relationship Inventory, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Pearson correlations, independent samples t-tests, Chi-square, and ANOVA were used to explore the association between attachment Anxiety and Avoidance scores and disclosure about involvement in a DAC programme to significant others (i.e. parents, siblings, in-laws, and friends). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Compared to published community cohort data, participants reported lower global scores on attachment Anxiety and Avoidance and high levels of romantic partner and social network support, suggestive of secure relationships in the overall study sample. A higher score on attachment Avoidance was associated with less disclosure to significant others in their social network (i.e. parents, siblings, in-laws, and close friends), even in the presence of strong partner support (partial r = -0.248, P = 0.005). Higher scores on attachment Avoidance were inversely associated with level of perceived partner and social network support (all P < 0.05). Irrespective of attachment scores, more than 90% of all participants agreed that a child born of DAC should be told about mode of conception. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study utilized a cross-sectional design precluding causal inferences between dimensions of insecure attachment and disclosure practices. Participants were required to self-report on the quality of their relationships with the potential for social desirability respondent bias. The study's self-selecting sample may limit generalization to participants who were dis-inclined to participate. Specifically, respondents who have an Avoidant attachment style, may have elected not to participate in the study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Given the increased use of biotechnology and digital facial recognition enabling self-discovery of the donor and the donor's extended family, non-disclosure about involvement in DAC may have consequences. An 'Avoidant' attachment style is important to assess as a potential risk factor for non-disclosure about involvement in DAC across different relational contexts (e.g. close family members and friends). Fertility counsellors should consider introducing a measure of attachment screening as a pre-emptive psychoeducational strategy during donor implications counselling. This information could be used to offer patients insight into concerns they have about DAC disclosures to key important relationships, providing a target of clinical intervention. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funds were sought for this work. None of the authors have any competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iolanda S Rodino
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine A Sanders
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Kuji N, Daniels K. Donor insemination for heterosexual couples: A practice in transition. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12496. [PMID: 36699955 PMCID: PMC9853466 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Donor insemination (DI) has long been the treatment of choice for severe male infertility among heterosexual couples. Since disclosing when offspring become adults provokes serious emotional issues, counselors are recommending early disclosure about the treatment. Furthermore, several countries have changed their policies on nonanonymous sperm donation, concerning the strong demand of donor information from the offspring. There is a need for more research in psychosocial areas concerning DI treatment: especially to look at parents' roles (especially for infertile father) and their attitudes toward the need to use a donor to build their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoaki Kuji
- Department of OB/GYNTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Ken Daniels
- University of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
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Quintigliano M, Carone N, Speranza AM, Tanzilli A, Baiocco R, Barone L, Pastorelli C, Lingiardi V. Adolescent Development and the Parent-Adolescent Relationship in Diverse Family Forms Created by Assisted Reproduction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16758. [PMID: 36554637 PMCID: PMC9778924 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) are employed by single individuals and couples who are not otherwise able to conceive spontaneously. While the use of ARTs is increasing, research is lacking on the attempts made by adolescent offspring conceived via ARTs to integrate their ART conception into their identity and negotiate a connection with, and autonomy from, their parents. The present article reviews studies investigating adolescent development and the parent-adolescent relationship in diverse family forms created by ARTs (mainly heterosexual and lesbian parent families), and discusses the results in light of attachment, identity development, and emotional distance regulation theories. Overall, the results indicate that the psychological adjustment of adolescents conceived via ARTs is not undermined by the manner of their conception, and that they enjoy positive relationships with their parents with no difference from those enjoyed by spontaneously conceived adolescents. However, it remains unknown whether the development of a reproductive identity in adolescence is likely to influence adolescents' interest in searching for or contacting their donors, surrogates, and/or donor siblings. The results suggest the relevance of considering the parent-adolescent relationship, disclosure, and identity formation issues when planning psychological counseling and support interventions with ART parents and their adolescent offspring, and emphasize the need to further investigate these aspects in diverse ART families, including single-, gay-, bisexual-, and trans*-parent families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Quintigliano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tanzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Barone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Concetta Pastorelli
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Adrian SW, Ravn T, Herrmann JR, Sylvest R, Kokado M, Semba Y, Fencker M, Skytte A, Sellmer A, Grønbæk E, Wahlberg A, Kesmodel U. Gamete donation in the time of DNA surprises. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2022; 101:1348-1350. [PMID: 36397291 PMCID: PMC9812069 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stine W. Adrian
- Department of Culture and LearningAalborg UniversityAalborgDenmark
| | - Tine Ravn
- The Danish Center for Studies in Research and Research PolicyAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | | | | | - Minori Kokado
- Laboratory of Social SciencesKobe Pharmaceutical UniversityKobeJapan
| | - Yukari Semba
- Institute for Gender Studies, Ochanomizu UniversityTokioJapan
| | | | | | | | | | - Ayo Wahlberg
- Department of AnthropologyCopenhagen UniversityCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ulrik Kesmodel
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAalborg University HospitalAalborgDenmark,Department of Clinical MedicineAalborg UniversityAalborgDenmark
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Widbom A, Sydsjö G, Lampic C. Psychological adjustment in disclosing and non-disclosing heterosexual-couple families following conception with oocytes or sperm from identity-release donors. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:1046-1053. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Beyond secrecy and openness: telling a relational story about children’s best interests in donor-conceived families. BIOSOCIETIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1057/s41292-021-00225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Chen M, Rueter MA, Anderson KN, Connor JJ. Conversation Orientation Moderates the Relationship between Information Sharing of Medically Assisted Reproduction and Child Adjustment. FAMILY PROCESS 2020; 59:229-243. [PMID: 30536373 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Parents who experienced infertility have increasingly used medically assisted reproduction (MAR) to add children to their families over the past few decades. These parents will need to decide if they will tell their children about being conceived using MAR. Although MAR information sharing operates within family contexts, little is known about the role of conversation orientation-one family contextual factor-in child outcomes associated with MAR information sharing in middle childhood. Derived from the Family Communication Patterns Theory, this study proposes that conversation orientation moderates the associations between MAR information sharing and children's psychosocial adjustment. This proposal was tested using a sample of 81 6- to 12-year-old MAR-conceived children from 55 families and a structured observational measure of conversation orientation. Multiple regression analyses showed that MAR information sharing interacted with conversation orientation to influence children's behavioral and attention problems but not emotional problems. In families with high conversation orientation, MAR information sharing was not significantly associated with children's behavioral and attention problems. In families with low conversation orientation, MAR information sharing was significantly associated with an increase in children's behavioral and attention problems. Results of this exploratory study demonstrate the potential significance of general communication orientation in understanding child outcomes of MAR information sharing and highlight the needed family context nuances in MAR research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzi Chen
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN
| | - Martha A Rueter
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN
| | - Kayla N Anderson
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN
| | - Jennifer J Connor
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN
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Bos H, van Rijn-van Gelderen L, Gartrell N. Self-esteem and problem behavior in Dutch adolescents conceived through sperm donation in planned lesbian parent families. JOURNAL OF LESBIAN STUDIES 2019; 24:41-55. [PMID: 31218934 DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2019.1625671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Until 2004, Dutch women seeking donor insemination through medical facilities could opt for open-identity or anonymous donors. Since then, Dutch law only permits open-identity donation. The present study compared the well-being of adolescents conceived before 2004 through known, open-identity, and anonymous donors, and born into planned lesbian parent families (i.e., the mothers identified as lesbian before the children were conceived). The sixty-seven participating adolescents (Mage = 16.04 years) completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Youth Self-Report, and answered questions about their donor. Thirty-three were conceived through known, twenty-two through open-identity, and twelve through anonymous donors. No significant associations were found between donor type and self-esteem or problem behavior. Likewise, no significant differences were found on these two variables for adolescents with known donors who did or did not play important roles in their lives. For adolescents conceived with sperm from as-yet unknown donors (open-identity or anonymous), feeling uncomfortable about not knowing the donor was associated with lower self-esteem and more externalizing problem behavior. That donor type was found to have no bearing on adolescent self-esteem or problem behavior may be useful to prospective lesbian parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henny Bos
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Loes van Rijn-van Gelderen
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nanette Gartrell
- Williams Institute Visiting Distinguished Scholar, U.C.L.A. School of Law; guest appointee, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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12
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Schrijvers A, Bos H, van Rooij F, Gerrits T, van der Veen F, Mochtar M, Visser M. Being a donor-child: wishes for parental support, peer support and counseling. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2019; 40:29-37. [PMID: 29110558 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2017.1396313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed at exploring the wishes of Dutch donor-conceived offspring for parental support, peer support and counseling and sought to contribute to the improvement of health care for all parties involved with assisted reproductive technologies. METHODS We held semi-structured in-depth interviews with 24 donor-conceived offspring (Mage = 26.9, range 17-41) born within father-mother, two-mother and single mother families. The majority of the donor offspring was conceived with semen of anonymous donors. All offspring were recruited by network organizations and snowball sampling. The interviews were fully transcribed and analyzed using the constant comparative method. RESULTS Donor-conceived offspring wished that their parents had talked openly about donor conception and had missed parental support. They wished that their parents would have received counseling before donor sperm treatment on how to talk with their children about donor conception in several stages of life. They valued the availability of peer contact to exchange stories with other donor-conceived offspring and would have liked assistance in getting access to trustworthy information about characteristics and identifying information of their donor. Donor-conceived offspring wished to know where to find specialist counseling when needed. CONCLUSIONS Peer support and counseling by professionals for donor-conceived offspring should be available for those who need it. The findings also support professional counseling for intended parents before treatment to improve parental support for donor-children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schrijvers
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Henny Bos
- b Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences , Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Floor van Rooij
- b Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences , Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Trudie Gerrits
- c Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences , Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Fulco van der Veen
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Monique Mochtar
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
| | - Marja Visser
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine , Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Canzi E, Accordini M, Facchin F. 'Is blood thicker than water?' Donor conceived offspring's subjective experiences of the donor: a systematic narrative review. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:797-807. [PMID: 30904355 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a systematic narrative review of the published research articles on donor conceived offspring's subjective experiences of their donor. A systematic search of electronic databases (PsycINFO and PubMed) provided 29 published quantitative and qualitative studies matching the inclusion criteria. The analysis of the studies outcomes led to the identification of four main themes: (i) views/representations of the donor; (ii) desire to contact the donor (in terms of desire to meet the donor, reasons for wanting to contact the donor, type and frequency of contact); (iii) reactions to discovering the donor's identity and contacting the donor; (iv) identity issues. The findings revealed that genetic ties do matter to donor conceived people, especially during adolescence or adulthood. Many donor conceived people were interested in contacting the donor and all of them needed to make meaning of the role of the donor, as well as to integrate it into their family life and self-concept. Besides curiosity and medical reasons, many people reported wanting to contact the donor to see what he/she looked like, and to have access to their own ancestry and genetic history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Canzi
- Family Studies and Research University Centre, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Monica Accordini
- Family Studies and Research University Centre, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Family Studies and Research University Centre, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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de Melo-Martín I, Rubin LR, Cholst IN. "I want us to be a normal family": Toward an understanding of the functions of anonymity among U.S. oocyte donors and recipients. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2018; 9:235-251. [PMID: 30398412 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2018.1528308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anonymity remains the more common practice in gamete donations, but legislation prohibiting anonymity with a goal of protecting donor-conceived children's right to know their genetic origins is becoming more common. However, given the dearth of research investigating the function of anonymity for donors and recipients, it is unclear whether these policies will accomplish their goals. The aim of this study was to explore experiences with anonymity among oocyte donors and recipients who participated in an anonymous donor oocyte program and to understand the ways in which anonymity functions for them. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 50 women: 28 oocyte donors and 22 recipients who were recruited from an academic center for reproductive medicine in the United States. RESULTS Donors and recipients view anonymity both as a mechanism to protect the interests of all parties (recipients, donors, and donor-conceived children) and as a point of conflict. Specifically, three key areas were identified where both donors and recipients saw anonymity as having an important role: relieving anxieties about family structures and obligations; protecting their interests and those of donor-conceived children (while acknowledging where interests conflict); and managing the future. CONCLUSION As gamete donation increasingly moves away from the practice of anonymity, examining why anonymity matters to stakeholders will be helpful in devising strategies to successfully implement identity-release options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa R Rubin
- b Department of Psychology , New School for Social Research
| | - Ina N Cholst
- c The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine , Weill Cornell Medical College
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Sherr L, Roberts KJ, Croome N. Disclosure and identity experiences of adults abandoned as babies: A qualitative study. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2018.1473744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Sherr
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London
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Crawshaw M, Adams D, Allan S, Blyth E, Bourne K, Brügge C, Chien A, Clissa A, Daniels K, Glazer E, Haase J, Hammarberg K, van Hooff H, Hunt J, Indekeu A, Johnson L, Kim Y, Kirkman M, Kramer W, Lalos A, Lister C, Lowinger P, Mindes E, Monach J, Montuschi O, Pike S, Powell V, Rodino I, Ruby A, Margriet Schrijvers A, Semba Y, Shidlo R, Thorn P, Tonkin L, Visser M, Woodward J, Wischmann T, Yee S, Zweifel JE. Disclosure and donor-conceived children. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1535-1536. [PMID: 28549124 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Crawshaw
- Department of Social Policy & Social Work, University of York,York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Damian Adams
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park 5042, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sonia Allan
- Deakin Law School, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Kate Bourne
- ANZICA (Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association) & Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Level 30/570 Bourke St., Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Claudia Brügge
- DI-Netz e.V. - Deutsche Vereinigung von Familien nach Samenspende, Turnerstr. 49, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anne Chien
- British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland
| | | | - Ken Daniels
- Department of Human Services and Social Work, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, Aotearoa/New Zealand
| | | | - Jean Haase
- Private practice, London, Ontario, Canada N6K 4Z7
| | - Karin Hammarberg
- Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 4, 553 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | | | | | - Astrid Indekeu
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden/Centre for Sociological Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Louise Johnson
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Level 30/570 Bourke St., Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Young Kim
- The Women's Care Program, Victoria Hospital, Room E3-620B, Zone E, 800 Commissioners Road East, PO Box 5010, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5W9
| | - Maggie Kirkman
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Wendy Kramer
- Donor Sibling Registry, PO Box 1571, Nederland, Colorado 804666, USA
| | - Ann Lalos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Charles Lister
- National Gamete Donation Trust, Mutfords, Hare St., Buntingford, Hertfordshire SG9 0ED, UK
| | | | - Erica Mindes
- Covington and Hafkin & Associates, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Victoria Powell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MS, USA
| | - Iolanda Rodino
- Concept Fertility Centre, 218 Nicholson Road, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alice Ruby
- The Sperm Bank of California, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Anne Margriet Schrijvers
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam Q4-123, Meibergdreef 19, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yukari Semba
- Institute for Gender Studies, Ochanomizu University, 2-1-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8610, Japan
| | - Ruth Shidlo
- Shorashim: Israeli Donor Families, 47/3 Tagore St., Tel Aviv 6920346, Israel
| | - Petra Thorn
- German Society for Fertility Counselling, Private practice, Langener Str. 37, 64546 Moerfelden, Germany
| | - Lois Tonkin
- College of Education, Health & Human Development, Doverdale Campus, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, Aotearoa/New Zealand
| | - Marja Visser
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center/ University of Amsterdam Q4-123, Meibergdreef 19, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julia Woodward
- Psychological Services Program, Duke Fertility Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Health System, 5704 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27713, USA
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samantha Yee
- Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers, CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay Street, Suite 1002, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Julianne E Zweifel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2365 Deming Way, Madison, WI 53562, USA
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Pennings G. Disclosure of donor conception, age of disclosure and the well-being of donor offspring. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:969-973. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Zadeh S. Disclosure of donor conception in the era of non-anonymity: safeguarding and promoting the interests of donor-conceived individuals? Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2416-2420. [PMID: 27698073 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This article responds to a debate article published in Human Reproduction earlier this year. In that article, the authors suggested that parents should be encouraged to disclose the use of donor gametes to their children given rapid and widespread advances in genetic testing and sequencing. However, there is an urgent need to engage with the assertion that in this context, telling children about their donor conception both safeguards and promotes their interests, particularly if such disclosure is motivated by parents' anxieties about accidental discovery. Disclosure that is motivated by the notion of non-anonymity may also encourage parents to share misinformation about donors and encourage their children to have unrealistic expectations. Fertility professionals must remain mindful of these outcomes when discussing disclosure and the future implications of increasing access to genetic information with both prospective and current parents. It is strongly advised that future discussions about the end of donor anonymity are not conflated with the debate on disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Zadeh
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RQ, UK
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Harper JC, Kennett D, Reisel D. The end of donor anonymity: how genetic testing is likely to drive anonymous gamete donation out of business. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1135-40. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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Tallandini MA, Zanchettin L, Gronchi G, Morsan V. Parental disclosure of assisted reproductive technology (ART) conception to their children: a systematic and meta-analytic review. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1275-87. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Kovacs GT, Wise S, Finch S. Keeping a child's donor sperm conception secret is not linked to family and child functioning during middle childhood: An Australian comparative study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2015. [PMID: 26223455 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Controversy exists as to whether children conceived using donor sperm should be told about their origins and the possible deleterious effects of secrecy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Follow-Up of Children Conceived through Donor Insemination research compares 'family functioning' and 'child well-being' in 62 families where donor-conceived children aged between 5 and 13 years had been 'told' (N = 29) and 'not told' (N = 33) of their genetic heritage. Couples were treated through the Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research Reproductive Medicine Clinic. Standardised measures of family functioning and child well-being collected from mothers were modelled to estimate mean differences according to knowledge of conception. RESULTS Mean differences between the two 'knowledge of conception' groups were generally very small and not statistically significant; adjustment for covariates did not make a substantive difference to the interpretation of group differences. Scores on family functioning and child well-being measures were within normal limits for both the 'told' and 'not told' groups. CONCLUSION Further research on parents' experiences would usefully inform discussion on the forms of education and support that would encourage parents to engage with the issues of disclosure and nondisclosure, and promote transparency as well as societal awareness, acceptance and understanding of this method of family formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Wise
- Department of Social Work, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue Finch
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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Freeman T. Gamete donation, information sharing and the best interests of the child: an overview of the psychosocial evidence. Monash Bioeth Rev 2015; 33:45-63. [PMID: 25743051 PMCID: PMC4900443 DOI: 10.1007/s40592-015-0018-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper overviews key empirical findings from social science research regarding the impact of gamete donation on child wellbeing. In particular, the paper addresses current regulatory debates concerning information sharing and the best interests of the child by considering psychosocial aspects of telling--or not telling--children about their donor conception and the identity of their donor. The paper identifies three core sets of empirical, ethical and policy concerns underpinning these debates relating to (i) the psychosocial impact of gamete donation per se on child wellbeing, (ii) the psychosocial impact of parental disclosure decisions on child wellbeing, and (iii) the psychosocial implications of donor identification for donor-conceived offspring. The paper illustrates how these concerns are framed by ideas about the significance-or not-of 'genetic relatedness'; ideas which have come to the fore in contemporary discussions about the potential consequences of donor-conceived individuals gaining access to their donor's identity. By drawing together research findings that may be pertinent to the regulation of gamete donation and information sharing, a further aim of this paper is to explore the potential use and misuse of empirical 'evidence' in ethical and policy debates. Whilst this paper starts from the premise that psychosocial data has a vital role in grounding normative discussions, it seeks to contribute to this dialogue by highlighting both the value and limitations of social science research. In particular, the paper argues for a cautious approach to applying psychosocial evidence to ethical issues that is sensitive to the caveats and nuances of research findings and the changing cultural and regulatory context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha Freeman
- Centre for Family Research, Free School Lane, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3RF, UK,
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23
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Ilioi EC, Golombok S. Psychological adjustment in adolescents conceived by assisted reproduction techniques: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 21:84-96. [PMID: 25281685 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence is a transitional time for identity formation and relationships with parents. While people born through assisted reproduction techniques (ART) appear to be well adjusted in childhood, it is unclear whether these findings carry into adolescence, and whether diverse ART have different psychological outcomes. This review summarizes what is known about the psychological adjustment and family relationships of the growing number of children born through ART who are reaching adolescence. METHODS The Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched systematically for peer reviewed papers focusing on adolescent psychological adjustment and parent-adolescent relationships in families created by ART. Key search inclusion criteria included all papers published in English relating to adolescents aged between 11 and 18 years. RESULTS Seventeen publications with varied methodologies were identified by this review. Only papers relating to in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation and donor insemination were identified. Results were categorized according to ART that used the parents' own gametes (IVF) and those that involved reproductive donation (egg donation, and donor insemination). Compared with naturally conceived adolescents and standardized normative samples, adolescents born through all ARTs seemed to be equally well adjusted, and to have positive parent-adolescent relationships. Some differences were however identified based on the type of ART used. In particular, the sex of the parent and child, along with age and process of disclosure of the adolescent's conception were identified as key mediators of parent-adolescent relationships in families created by donor insemination. CONCLUSIONS The studies in this review indicate that children born through ART have positive parent-adolescent relationships and are well adjusted, with some slight differences based on different ART. The generalizability of findings may be limited by the general low level of disclosure to adolescents in some of the publications, the small sample sizes of studies in the field, along with the large age range that encompasses adolescence. Findings should also be interpreted in light of the fact that many publications focus on singleton births. Future studies should also focus on egg donation, surrogacy and embryo donation, as well as the disclosure processes, and adolescents born into non-traditional families (same-sex or single parents) or those born using different types of donor (anonymous, identity-release or known).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan Golombok
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3RQ, UK
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Abstract
With increasing longevity, an ageing population and advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), a greater number of women are deciding to have a child and become a mother in their later years. With this social and demographic change, an important social and ethical debate has emerged over whether single and/or married postmenopausal women should have access to ARTs. The aim of this paper is to address this question and review critically the arguments that have been advanced to support or oppose the use of ART by older women. The arguments presented consider the consequences for the individual, the family and wider society. They cover the potential physical and emotional harm to the older woman, the possible impact on the welfare and wellbeing of the future child, and the impact on the norms, values, customs and traditions of society. After reviewing the evidence, and weighing the opposing arguments, this paper concludes that there is no moral justification for a restriction on the use of ART by postmenopausal women. Allowing access to ART for postmenopausal women is an extension of reproductive autonomy and procreative rights in an age where the promotion of agency, autonomy, individual choice and human rights is paramount.
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De Melo-Martín I. The ethics of anonymous gamete donation: is there a right to know one's genetic origins? Hastings Cent Rep 2014; 44:28-35. [PMID: 24532424 DOI: 10.1002/hast.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of jurisdictions hold that gamete donors must be identifiable to the children born with their eggs or sperm, on grounds that being able to know about one's genetic origins is a fundamental moral right. But the argument for that belief has not yet been adequately made.
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Adams DH. Conceptualising a child-centric paradigm : do we have freedom of choice in donor conception reproduction? JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2013; 10:369-381. [PMID: 23780686 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-013-9454-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Since its inception, donor conception practices have been a reproductive choice for the infertile. Past and current practices have the potential to cause significant and lifelong harm to the offspring through loss of kinship, heritage, identity, and family health history, and possibly through introducing physical problems. Legislation and regulation in Australia that specifies that the welfare of the child born as a consequence of donor conception is paramount may therefore be in conflict with the outcomes. Altering the paradigm to a child-centric model, however, impinges on reproductive choice and rights of adults involved in the process. With some lobby groups pushing for increased reproductive choice while others emphasise offspring rights there is a dichotomy of interests that society and legislators need to address. Concepts pertaining to a shift toward a child-centric paradigm are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian H Adams
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia, 5042,
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Donor conceived offspring conceive of the donor: The relevance of age, awareness, and family form. Soc Sci Med 2013; 86:52-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ravelingien A, Pennings G. The right to know your genetic parents: from open-identity gamete donation to routine paternity testing. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2013; 13:33-41. [PMID: 23557045 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2013.776128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Over the years a number of countries have abolished anonymous gamete donation and shifted toward open-identity policies. Donor-conceived children are said to have a fundamental "right to know" the identity of their donor. In this article, we trace the arguments that underlie this claim and question its implications. We argue that, given the status attributed to the right to know one's gamete donor, it would be discriminatory not to extend this right to naturally conceived children with misattributed paternity. One way to facilitate this would be through routine paternity testing at birth. While this proposal is likely to raise concerns about the conflicting interests and rights of other people involved, we show that similar concerns apply to the context of open-identity gamete donation. Unless one can identify a rational basis for treating the two groups differently, one's stance toward both cases should be the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Ravelingien
- Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University, Dept. of Philosophy, Blandijnberg 2, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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