Abstract

A variety of ethical concerns arise related to gamete donation, including the issues of anonymity and health risks to the donor. Various stakeholder interests must be considered in any ethical analysis including those of the reproductive medicine professional, clinic/program, gamete recipient(s), gamete donor and resulting progeny. Recently, high profile cases in the media have made clear that complete anonymity is impossible to promise given technological advances (e.g., commercially available genetic testing), changing social norms (e.g., linkage sites and social media) and an evolving legal landscape. Informed consent must include a discussion of potential health risks associated with gamete donation (e.g., ovarian hyperstimulation) and of the fact that information-sharing policies are not guaranteed (i.e., donors may be contacted by offspring in the future). Donors and recipient(s) should also provide medical updates related to serious medical conditions that may impact the health of future children.