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Exploring Motivations, Awareness of Side Effects, and Attitudes among Potential Egg Donors
Health & Social Work
  • Lindsay B. Gezinski
  • Sharvari Karandikar
  • James R. Carter, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Melinda White
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
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Abstract

This research study surveyed prospective egg donors at orientation to (a) understand women’s motivations to donate eggs, (b) assess awareness and knowledge of egg donation prior to entry into the egg donation program, and (c) explore attitudes toward egg donation. Ninety-two women completed the questionnaire at one fertility clinic located in the Midwest between August 2011 and August 2012. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as textual analysis were used to analyze the data. Three themes emerged regarding participant motivations: (1) altruistic, (2) financial, and (3) desire to pass on genetic material. The majority of participants were unconcerned with potential physical and psychological side effects; however, differences emerged based on motherhood status and educational level. Although potential donors felt recipients should receive some information about the donor, they tended to value privacy regarding information giving to resultant offspring. This research study has implications for social work practice, policy, and future research. It is crucial that women receive adequate procedural and side effect information prior to engaging in egg donation.

DOI
10.1093/hsw/hlw005
Citation Information
Lindsay B. Gezinski, Sharvari Karandikar, James R. Carter and Melinda White. "Exploring Motivations, Awareness of Side Effects, and Attitudes among Potential Egg Donors" Health & Social Work Vol. 41 Iss. 2 (2016) p. 75 - 83 ISSN: 03607283
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/james_carter/8/