A comparison of oocyte donors' and gestational carriers/surrogates' attitudes towards third party reproduction

This study was designed to compare levels of satisfaction for ovum donors and gestational carriers/surrogates (GCS), investigate attitudes, and explore beliefs about the role genetics, gestation, and environment play in various characteristics.

An east coast IVF center and two California-based agencies recruited donor and GCS candidates.

Participants received mailed questionnaires that included sections on demographics, attitudes, and beliefs.

Both groups were highly satisfied with their participation. Donors were not willing to be GCS, and GCS were not willing to be donors. GCS thought about and disclosed their participation, felt children should be told about GCS, and desired future contact with the child(ren) more than did donors (p < 0.002). Donors did not indicate a preference about disclosure. Contact with recipients did not correlate with satisfaction.

Women who chose to donate eggs or to be GCS hold distinct and different beliefs about the role of gestation and genetics.