Public support in the United States for elective oocyte cryopreservation

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether public support for oocyte cryopreservation (OC) exists and if support varies by demographic factors.

Design: Cross-sectional electronic survey.

Setting: Not applicable.

Patient(s): A nationally representative sample based on age, sex, and race of 1,064 people in the United States recruited by the company SurveyMonkey.

Interventions(s): Completion of an online questionnaire.

Main outcome measure(s): Supporters of OC for various indications were compared with participants who were neutral or in opposition by means of log binomial regression to calculate risk ratios. Statistical models were adjusted for demographic characteristics, including sex, race, age, income, sexual orientation, education, marital status, state political party affiliation, and history of being a parent.

Result(s): OC for cancer patients was the indication most supported (89%), followed by delayed childbearing for career advancement (72%), current lack of a partner (63%), and insufficient funds for child rearing (58%). Despite considerable support for OC, only 37% agreed employers should fund egg freezing for employees. Older age was associated with lower support for all indications of OC. Younger age, single status, never being a parent, identifying as a sexual minority, and atheist/agnostic religion were associated with the survey taker personally considering OC. Compared with women, men demonstrated lower support for women undergoing OC for "lack of a male partner," and for future use of cryopreserved oocytes without being married.

Conclusion(s): In a nationally representative sample, the majority of respondents support elective OC. The indication for OC was associated with significant differences in support.

Keywords: Oocyte cryopreservation; egg freezing; fertility preservation; social oocyte cryopreservation.