Facts, Views & Vision
in ObGyn

Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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Counselling on disclosure of gamete donation to donor offspring: a search for facts

M. Visser1, P.A.L. Kop1, M. van Wely1, F. van der Veen1, G.J.E. Gerrits2, M.C.B. van Zwieten3 

1 Academic Medical Centre Amsterdam, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2 Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, OZ Achterburgwal 185, 1012 DK Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3 Academic Medical Centre Amsterdam, Department of Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 

Correspondence to: M. Visser, M.A., Centre for reproductive Medicine, Q4 room 142, department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the netherlands. 

tel.: +31-205665720; fax: +31-20-6963489; e-mail: m.visser@amc.uva.nl

Keywords:

Counselling, gamete donation, secrecy, disclosure, donor offspring, family relationships


Published online: Oct 29 2012

Abstract

Background: High quality counseling of potential parents is needed in the process of disclosure to donor offspring, which is important for the child and for family relationships. We performed a search for facts to identify the role of counseling in couples undergoing gamete donation.

Methods: We systematically searched Pubmed, EMBASE and Psychinfo. Studies were included if they reported on counseling in gamete donation.

Results: A total of 20 studies were included. Twelve studies stated that counselling was offered. The reported studies reflected no consensus about when and how counselling in gamete donation should be offered and no theoretical background of the disclosure/ secrecy issue. About 50% of the parents expressed the need for guidance and support of a counsellor. Special concerns were the disclosure issue and the future contact with the donor. Parents did not receive the guidance and support they needed in the disclosure process after treatment.

Conclusion: Empirical knowledge on counselling is lacking. This review demonstrates the need to know more precisely at what moments couples should be counselled, and which specific information and guidelines couples need to receive to be more confident in the disclosure process to donor offspring.