Ethical Issues: Addressing Sensational Cases and Analyzing Clinical Practice in Oocyte and Embryo Donation

Oocyte and embryo donation have long been lightning rods for controversy about assisted reproduction, both because of public divisiveness regarding sensational cases and because of the social concerns that attend changes in reproductive patterns, capacities, and roles. In particular, there is much discussion regarding the minimization of physical risks to oocyte donors, the iteration and development of consensus around what ought to be included in information provided to donors before they give consent to oocyte or embryo donation, and both whether and what children have a right to know about their genetic origins. Among the most dramatic changes in the social perception of oocyte and embryo donation is the presence of a growing body of empirical data to shed light on issues such as potential psychological outcomes of oocyte and embryo donation for donors, families, and offspring to inform our ethical discussions