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Hum. Reprod. Advance Access published online on May 9, 2009
Human Reproduction, doi:10.1093/humrep/dep116
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org

Embryo donation in New Zealand: a pilot study

Sonja Goedeke1,3 and Deborah Payne2

1 Department of Psychology, Division of Public Health and Psychosocial Studies, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand 2 Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health Research, AUT University, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

3 Correspondence address. E-mail: sonja.goedeke{at}aut.ac.nz

BACKGROUND: In New Zealand, embryo donation to others was approved in late 2005 and follows strict guidelines. To date, few donations have proceeded. Given the novelty of embryo donation and New Zealand’s guidelines around donation, this study explores how potential recipients in New Zealand made meaning of embryo donation.

METHODS: Thirteen potential recipients were interviewed regarding decision-making around embryo donation. Data were analysed thematically, identifying the major concerns that shaped their perspectives and decision-making regarding embryo donation.

RESULTS: The concept of genetic lineage emerged as the most important consideration. Participants viewed the embryo as a direct and permanent link between the genetic parents and the child resulting from donation. The genetic link implied ongoing responsibility, interest, care and even ownership. Participants were particularly cognizant of the need for children born from embryo donation to have access to information regarding their heritage. Wider concerns around the quality of the embryo’s genetic material were expressed. Neither discarding surplus embryos nor embryo donation was seen as easy options. Participants found embryo donation to be a psychologically and morally complex issue and expressed some caution about pursuing this option.

CONCLUSIONS: The emphasis on genetic lineage as a priority in decision-making needs to be recognized especially within contexts where guidelines emphasize donor registration and cultures are shaped by open-adoption practices and the importance of knowing one’s lineage.

Key words: frozen embryo/embryo donation/discarding embryos/genetic lineage/decision-making

Submitted on December 8, 2008; resubmitted on March 29, 2009; accepted on April 6, 2009.


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