Altruism in assisted reproductive technologies

What makes reproductive technology unique is that it is in the forefront of creating human life, with an emphasis on 'giving'. Not surprisingly therefore, a significant appeal to altruism has crept into the language of reproductive technologies. If altruistic donations and behaviour involving reproductive technologies are to be encouraged we need to have a uniform understanding of the terminology. For this we need to explore how the term altruism has been used historically and is being used in modern language. It is also important to acknowledge that gender differences may influence altruistic behaviour. The suggested working definition for altruism has three major components; a motivational state, an ultimate goal and a desire to increase another's welfare. Within this framework definition, self-benefit is permissible provided the ultimate goal is not self-benefit. Altruistic donation is possible provided receiving money is not the primary motive. It is important in our efforts to improve the quality of donor and donations, which are central to assisted reproductive technologies, that any reference to altruism be restricted to the situation where only the ultimate goal, with a single motive, can be discerned. The success of recruiting altruistic donors will inevitably be associated with the attitudes and structures in which reproductive technologists operate. Through such transparency it is hoped more effective control will be achieved for donors over their donations. Irrespective of the setting, a true measure of an altruistic donation or behaviour can only be assessed by giving consideration to the primary motivational state, ultimate goal and benefit to another's welfare.