Gamete donors' and recipients' evaluation of donor counselling: a prospective longitudinal cohort study

Abstract

Background: Those considering donating or receiving gametes are required to undergo counselling to ensure that they are aware of and consider the psychosocial, emotional and ethical complexities of donor conception before proceeding.

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate gamete donors' and recipients' views about donor counselling and beliefs about disclosure of the use of donor gametes to conceive, before and after attending counselling.

Method: All donors and recipients and their partners who attended donor counselling at Monash IVF, Melbourne, Australia, for the first time between February 2003 and March 2004 were asked to complete self-report questionnaires. Using seven-point Likert scales where higher scores indicated more positive views, participants rated the importance of discussing a range of topics before, and the usefulness of discussing these after attending counselling.

Results: Pre-counselling questionnaires were completed by 152 of 184 (83%) individuals and 72 (47%) of those also completed the post-counselling questionnaire. Donors' post-counselling ratings were significantly higher than their pre-counselling ratings. For recipients the pre- to post-counselling changes were less pronounced. Both donors and recipients rated matters relating to disclosure and the possible future interaction between donor and child the most useful to discuss. More participants favoured disclosure after than before counselling (84% vs 66%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions: This study suggests that counselling is beneficial for those contemplating donor procedures, particularly donors, and that most have a positive attitude towards disclosure after counselling.