No demographics predict open-identity donation preferences
Oocyte donor characteristics and preferences towards an open-identity donation program (Alland, 2024)
Alland, I. A., Tsai, S., Svedberg, A. D., Rosenwaks, Z., & Melnick, A. P. (2024, October 21). Oocyte donor characteristics and preferences towards an open-identity donation program [Conference presentation abstract P-29]. American Society for Reproductive Medicine Scientific Congress, Session time: 12:00 PM. Fertility and Sterility, 120(4), e139.
Geographic Region: United States (New York)
Research Question: What demographic characteristics predict oocyte donor preferences for participating in open-identity donation programs?
Design: Retrospective chart review of egg donors who initiated care between February 2021 - July 2023 at a single academic institution. Data collected via intake forms and analzed using Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test.
Sample: 142 oocyte donors, 88% of whom had not yet had children. 29% of donors were under 25, 29% were 25-27, 25% were 28-30, and 17% were over 30.
Key Findings
48% of donor were interested in participating in an open-identity program.
No demographic characteristics predicted preference for open-identity donation, including age, race/ethnicity, religious background, BMI, education, income, medical history, substance use, sexual activity, smoking status, and prior donation.
Donors willing to participate in open-identity programs were more likely to: provide childhood photos and participate in NY State Department of Health's ova donor registry.
Limitations: Study sample is from a single institution that serves a limited geographic region. Cross-sectional design cannot track changes in preferences over time.
Applications: Indicates demographic screening won't predict donor preferences.
Funding Source: Not specified
Lead Author: Isabel Alland is affiliated with Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Regulatory Context
There are no comprehensive federal laws regulating gamete donation or donor conception in the U.S. The process is largely self-regulated by the fertility industry.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does have some oversight, primarily related to screening and testing of donors for infectious diseases.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides ethical guidelines and recommendations for donation practices. However, these are not legally binding.
There are no legal limits on compensation for donors. A 2011 court ruling (Kamakahi v. ASRM) determined that price caps on donor compensation violate antitrust laws.
ASRM recommends a minimum age of 21 for gamete donors, but this is not legally mandated.
The U.S. does not have laws prohibiting anonymous donation.
Some states have enacted their own laws regarding aspects of assisted reproduction, and parentage, but these vary widely. Study conducted in New York, United States, which maintains an ova donor registry.