The Psychological Impact of Ovum Donation on the Ovum Donor
The Psychological Impact of Ovum Donation on the Ovum Donor
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Issue Date
2002
Authors
Morris, Kim P.
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Abstract
As women continue to be active members of the workforce they are turning in increasing numbers to assisted reproductive techniques, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the use of third parties , specifically ovum donors, in order to successfully reproduce. To date, only a limited amount of literature is available on women ovum donors, a point thought to be reflective of the fact that the first birth from ovum transfer occurred less then 20 years ago. The purpose of the present study was to examine the psychological impact of ovum donation on ovum donors, using a grounded theory design. This involved conducting a semi-structured interview with participants, exploring issues including motivation, the positive and negative aspects of participating in a donation cycle, and reflections on the experience post-donation. Thirteen participants were recruited from the San Francisco Bay Area. The majority of the sample was Caucasian (n= 10), with an additional two women of biracial Latina and Caucasian descent and one Asian participant. The typical participant in this study was 27 years old, Caucasian, heterosexual, and single. She was college-educated, worked full-time, and was childless. Nine of the subjects responded to a packet mailed to them from their donor agency, while the remaining four subjects responded to a posting on a local website calling for research participants. Data were analyzed utilizing grounded theory techniques developed by Strauss and Corbin (1998). Overall, the donors described their experiences to be positive ones, generally leading to the decision to become a repeat donor. These positive experiences were generated as a result of the relationship that was formed with one of the recipients and/or feelings evoked by the donor's ability to help a couple conceive. Participants did not regret their decisions to become donors, but rather look back upon the experience fondly. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.