[Sperm or oocyte donation: the dynamics of making the decision regarding the method and timing of disclosure of information to the sibling].
A dramatic increase in the number of children born as a result of gamete donation has occurred worldwide over the past decade. Concurrent to the acceleration in the use of gamete donation there has been a growing movement advocating non-anonymity in donor programs and disclosure to the offspring of donor gamete conceptions. The fact that current recommendations concerning gamete donation differ widely among various countries reflects the Lack of consensus around the world, especially in regard to two major issues: donor anonymity and the disclosure decision. In the past, the donors' identity was always kept anonymous, and they were ensured full secrecy. Recently, a 'double track' policy has become increasingly popular. Under this policy, the donor has the choice to enter the program as either an anonymous or an identifiable donor, while the recipient can choose between these two types of donors. This scheme allows the recipients to decide in the future the degree of disclosure that best meets their interest in involving the donor in their lives. The parent's decision regarding disclosure of gamete donation before the child reflects their general philosophy and their individual values regarding the way they manage their Lives, and specifically how they desire to fulfill their role as parents. Study resuLts show that individual counseling appeared to be helpfuL and appreciated by study participants. This is particuLarLy true when delivered without judgment or directive personal opinion. Peer support, often in the form of professionally-led groups, was most highly valued. It seems likely that peer support, not only reduces the sense of isolation and stigma by normalizing the donor experience, but facilitates information acquisition derived from the shared, personal, lived experiences of other parents in the same unique life situation.
Eitan-Schiller
Yael
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.
Seidman
Daniel S
DS
D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000379:methods*; D007316:Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000379:methods*; D010379:Peer Group; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D035781:Siblings; D012944:Social Support