Altruism or obligation? The motivations and experience of women who donate oocytes to known recipients in assisted conception treatment: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Acharya, Santanu; Bryant, Louise; Twiddy, Maureen

Abstract

© 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Introduction: This qualitative study was conducted to explore the motivations and experience of oocyte donors donating to women known to them. Methods: Three women who donated oocytes to a close relative were interviewed and data were analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. Results: The two key elements noted were “motivations for donation” and “coping with the consequences of oocyte donation”. The motivation for donation was influenced by the familial bond that was strengthened by the donation process in some cases. The concept of altruistic oocyte donation stemmed from the narratives of giving the gift of motherhood and gaining a positive self-image and respect from others. Coping with the consequences of oocyte donation tests the donor identity, their wishes for a positive outcome, concerns regarding disclosure of biological motherhood and detachment from the egg and potential child. Discussion: Motivation is influenced by a combination of factors including the rewards of altruistic behaviour, the existence and potential strengthening of the relationship between donor and recipient, but possibly also, a sense of obligation and societal expectations. Oocyte donation can be variously viewed by donors as a unique way of reproductive empowerment or an example of acceding to subtle coercion and thus disempowerment. The study also highlights the clinical as well as ethical importance of providing support services for oocyte donors and recipients.

Citation

Acharya, S., Bryant, L., & Twiddy, M. (2016). Altruism or obligation? The motivations and experience of women who donate oocytes to known recipients in assisted conception treatment: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, 38(1), 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2016.1233171

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 31, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Sep 22, 2016
• Publication Date: Sep 22, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jan 5, 2018
• Print ISSN: 0167-482X
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-8942
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 4-11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2016.1233171
• Keywords: Experience; Interpretative phenomenological analysis; Motivation; Oocyte donation; Qualitative methods
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/499985
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0167482X.2016.1233171?journalCode=ipob20
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=ipob20