Needs assessment for those donating to stem cell research.
OBJECTIVE
To assess information needs and decision making among couples donating embryos for stem cell research from outside programs.


METHODS
Qualitative and quantitative interview report.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Forty-five couples donating embryos to stem cell research.


METHODS
Likert scales were used to assess whether participants regarded embryos as children and whether donation was analogous to organ or blood donation. Use of counseling, consideration of disposition options, and value of the interview were assessed. Recorded responses were analyzed for themes.


RESULTS
The average length of cryopreservation was 4.8 years. Twenty percent of the embryos were created with donor gametes; 53% of respondents viewed embryos as completely different from children; 31% and 27% considered embryo donation "identical" to organ and blood donation, respectively; 47% chose stem cell research to help others; 96% had not sought counseling in making their decision; and 20% were told they could not donate embryos to other couples.


CONCLUSIONS
Although many couples had questions/concerns regarding disposition, few sought formal counseling. Outside programs may unnecessarily limit the option of donation to other couples. Guidelines are needed to ensure that couples making embryo disposition decisions are properly informed of all options, that third-party gamete issues are addressed, and that psychological support is offered.
Zweifel
Julianne
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
Christianson
Mindy
M
Jaeger
Ami S
AS
Olive
David
D
Lindheim
Steven R
SR
D003710:Demography; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011247:Pregnancy; D044469:Racial Groups; D013234:Stem Cells; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*