FAMILIES CREATED THROUGH OVUM DONATION - A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF OBSTETRICAL OUTCOME AND PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT

Purpose: This study attempted to obtain preliminary follow-up information regarding obstetrical outcomes and the psychosocial well-being of families created through ovum donation. There is presently very little known about this population with respect to obstetrical care, health status of offspring, family and marital relationships of recipient couples, or how couples feel about having chosen ovum donation as a family-building option. Results: Fifty-nine couples were initially surveyed and, ultimately, extensive information was obtained for 30 husbands, 31 wives, and 51 offspring. There was a very high percentage of cesarean section deliveries (81.6%), and although a few children experienced health problems at birth, they are all now in good health and developmental milestones are within normal limits. Information was also obtained about breast-feeding experiences, choice of donor (known [sister] or anonymous), reasons for choosing ovum donation over other parenting options, and the impact of this choice on marital and family relationships. Demographic data were also obtained. Conclusions: For many infertile couples, the long struggle to become parents culminated in a successful birth, and the experience of pregnancy seemed to meet a need to be both biological and psychosocial parents, In general, subjects were extremely cooperative with the investigation and they indicated a desire to learn as much as possible about the psychosocial status of families created through ovum donation. As the assisted reproductive technologies move vapidly into the 21st century, it now seems imperative that health and mental health professionals gain more knowledge about the impact of third party reproduction and the psychosocial adjustment and well-being of families created by this medical technology.