[Donor-matching in Third-Party Reproduction: What do single women undergoing ART with sperm donation think about it?]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Psychology of Parenthood
• Sociology of Family

Context:

• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) with donor sperm is a growing pathway to parenthood for single women.
• Donor matching practices are a critical, yet often underexplored, aspect of this process.
• Understanding patient perceptions is vital for ethical and effective ART service provision.

Purpose:

• To investigate the perspectives of single women undergoing ART with donor sperm regarding current donor matching practices.
• To explore the criteria single women prioritize when selecting or being matched with a sperm donor.
• To assess the acceptance of the medical team's role in donor selection among single women.

Summary:

• A qualitative study surveyed 20 single women undergoing ART with donor sperm in France.
• Participants predominantly desired donor matching based on physical characteristics, particularly for child resemblance (e.g., skin color).
• Women clearly distinguished the donor's role from family structure and generally accepted the biologist's responsibility for donor selection, reflecting trust in the French health system.

Impact:

• Provides crucial insights into the preferences and expectations of single women pursuing donor conception.
• Informs the refinement of donor matching protocols to better align with patient desires.
• Highlights the importance of patient trust in healthcare providers within single parenthood pathways.