Potential psychological attachments formed by donors involved in fertility technology--another side to infertility

Donor participation has become an integral component in the treatment of infertility. While the donors' reproductive capabilities continue to be utilized to support fertility technology, little effort has been directed at understanding the experience of these participants. Based on attachment theory, it can be argued that donors have the potential to form parent-offspring attachments. This bonding may result in psychological sequelae from the separation inherent in technology that disconnects the genetic, gestational and social functions of parenthood. Implications for health care providers involved in infertility care are discussed.