| Title |
Becoming a morther by non-anonymous egg donation: secrecy and the relationship between egg recipient, egg donor and egg donation child |
| Published in |
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol. 28, p.97-104. ISSN 1743-8942 online. |
| Author |
Berkel, D.A.M. van; Candido, A.; Pijffers, W.H. |
| Date |
2007-06 |
| Language |
English |
| Type |
article |
| Publisher |
Informa Healthcare |
| Abstract |
The object of the study was to investigate secrecy in non-anonymous egg donation, to explore some characteristics of this
kind of egg donation arrangement and the relationship of the recipient with her non-genetic child. Forty-four egg recipients
and 62 IVF patients with a child conceived through egg donation and/or IVF were recruited. A semi-structured questionnaire
was sent to all the participants. Chi-square and T-tests were used to examine the differences between the groups. There were
no significant differences on the following aspects. The same high proportion of egg donation mothers (77%) and IVF
mothers (87%) had the intention of telling their child about the conception but most women thought disclosure at a later
time preferable. Two thirds of the recipients and IVF mothers said the way of conception had no influence on the relationship
with their child. The two groups differed however in their argumentation about secrecy and named different feelings. Egg
donation mothers expressed more denial and showed more defensive reactions, anxieties and uncertainty. It is suggested that
recognition of a certain difference between a natural conception and egg donation could be helpful in early disclosure and
could help to diminish anxieties in egg donation mothers. |
| Publication |
http://igitur-archive.library.uu.nl/fss/2007-1101-200646/UUi... |
| Persistent Identifier |
URN:NBN:NL:UI:10-1874-23515 |
| Metadata |
XML |
| Repository |
Utrecht University |