The impact of the method of genetic identity disclosure on the donor conceived adult

The moral obligation to have genetically related children

Donor conceived persons are likely to have a lower quality of life than persons who are genetically related to both parents. Empirical evidence is presented to corroborate this point. The evidence is subdivided into three sections: (1) negative experience of the donor conception itself, (2) negative effects of secrecy and openness and (3) negative effects of donor anonymity and donor identifiability. The principle of procreative beneficence requires parents to select the child with the best possible life. Given the difference in quality of life, intended parents should try to have a genetically related child. This finding is also a strong reason for society to invest public resources in the development of techniques that enable people to create genetically related children.

Parent and pediatric nurse practitioner views on integrating the digital TELL tool intervention into clinical practice

PURPOSE

To understand the views of parent participants in our larger pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) about the Tool to Empower Parental TeLling and TaLking or the TELL Tool, a digital, psychoeducational and decision-support intervention; and to foster understanding about how pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) viewed integrating the TELL Tool into pediatric clinical settings.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this qualitative descriptive study, a purposive sample of 10 parents and 10 PNPs completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews by Zoom. The recordings were auto transcribed, checked for accuracy, and analyzed for themes. The rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique was incorporated into the analytic plan.

RESULTS

Five themes emerged following analysis, including Perceptions, Optimal Time for Delivery, Most Appropriate Healthcare Provider to Counsel Parents about Disclosure, Challenges to Administering in Practice, and Recommendations for Implementing the TELL Tool into Pediatric Healthcare Settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents found the TELL Tool to be helpful and PNPs were supportive of incorporating the TELL Tool into clinical practice. Parents thought the TELL Tool increased their confidence about sharing information and appreciated its age-appropriate approach and language. PNPs perceived the tool as supporting their ability to provide anticipatory guidance and counseling/education to families seeking support in beginning and subsequent conversations with their children about their genetic origins.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The TELL Tool is an evidence-based intervention that can serve as a resource for PNPs while supporting parents as they navigate challenges about talking with their children about their genetic origins through gamete and embryo donation.

Comparing the psychological outcomes of donor and non-donor conceived people: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Over 70 000 donor-conceived (DC) people have been born in the UK since 1991. Little is known about their long-term psychological outcomes and no systematic review has assessed these.

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review of the psychological experiences of DC people through childhood and adulthood (Prospero: CRD42021257863).

SEARCH STRATEGY

Searches of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), the Excerpta Medica database (Embase), MEDLINE® and PsycINFO, conducted on 4 January 2024.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Quantitative and qualitative studies were included if: there were five or more participants; they were peer reviewed; and any DC psychological outcomes were assessed. No limits on date, language or country were applied.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Double screening, selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed, using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoring.

MAIN RESULTS

Fifty studies (with 4666 DC participants), mostly from high-income anglophone countries, with heterogeneity of design, populations and outcome measures, were included. Of 19 comparative studies, 14 found no difference in outcomes between DC and non-DC people, ten found better outcomes (in health, well-being, self-esteem and emotional warmth) and six found worse outcomes (increased autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, addiction issues, mental illness, disruptive behaviour and identity problems). Qualitative data revealed common themes relating to identity formation, mistrust and concerns regarding genetic heritage. The evidence regarding adulthood outcomes was very limited.

CONCLUSIONS

The research on DC individuals presents a nuanced picture, with most studies suggesting comparable or improved outcomes in terms of well-being and relationships, but with a notable minority indicating higher rates of mental health and identity struggles. Qualitative findings underscore common negative experiences, whereas the early disclosure of DC status appears beneficial for psychological well-being.

Extended families? Contact expectations and experiences of egg donors donating to previously unknown recipients

In New Zealand egg donation is identity-release, and donors may be known to recipients, e.g. family members/friends, or previously unknown e.g. clinic-recruited or sourced through advertising. In the case of unknown donors, New Zealand practice allows donors and recipients to meet face-to-face prior to donation in a joint counselling meeting. While contact details may not necessarily be exchanged in counselling, information-exchange and contact expectations are usually addressed. In previous papers, we explored donors' motivations and experiences of donation. In this paper, we explore donors' ideas around their role in relation to the donor-conceived person (DCP) and their expectations and experiences of information-exchange and contact. While donors did not see themselves as parents and were aware of appropriate boundaries, they described a sense of ongoing connection to DCP, often framing this in extended family terms. They desired to be kept informed about DCP, considered themselves 'on standby' for information requests or in-person contact and valued the opportunity for connection between their children and DCP. Donors were, however, cognisant of the limits to their ability to ensure information-exchange and contact and sometimes struggled with their perceived disempowered position. Meeting prior to donation may both clarify and reinforce expectations of information-exchange and contact.