Long-term follow-up of the ‘Swedish Study on Gamete Donation’ - psychosocial consequences for families and donors 15-18 years after donation

In Sweden, persons conceived with oocyte/sperm donation have the right to information about their donor.

Treatment with identifiable donors has complex and lifelong implications for both families and donors as it creates genetic links outside the family unit.

The overall aim of the project is to investigate the long-term psychosocial consequences of identity-release gamete donation for all involved groups.

The project concerns a long-term follow up of donors, parents and their adolescent offspring in the longitudinal multicenter ‘Swedish Study on Gamete Donation’ (SSGD).

At 15-18-years after treatment/donation participants will be requested to individually complete a postal survey including validated instruments for assessment of psychological well-being and family functioning, as well as study-specific items on issues concerning disclosure and offspring-donor contact.

The project is conducted by an established multidisciplinary group in collaboration with all Swedish University Hospitals. Internationally, the SSGD is unique with its longitudinal design and large samples.

The results will contribute to the development of clinical care and other resources to donor-conceived families and donors, and may guide policymakers in future decisions regarding assisted reproduction.