Gamete (egg, sperm, and embryo) Donor - Donor Evaluation

Donor evaluations consist of a psychological evaluation including the administration of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and an in-person, structured clinical interview with the gamete donor. Areas that are reviewed include donor’s psychosocial history, psychological functioning, and their ability to provide informed consent. A report is submitted to the donor agency, egg or sperm bank, reproductive attorney, and/or fertility practice.

 

Gamete (egg, sperm, and embryo) Donor - Intended Parent (IP) Evaluation

The decision to proceed with treatment using donor egg, sperm, or embryo is complex. Recipient counseling by a mental health professional skilled in reproductive counseling and third-party reproduction is in adherence to the guidelines set forth by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The counseling session is an opportunity for recipients to explore their feelings and ideas, receive education, and discuss concerns, so that they can comfortably approach their path to parenthood in a more thoughtful and insightful manner.  Some of the topics addressed during the session include

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• Explore feelings about the loss of a genetic connection to the child

• Discuss readiness of using a gamete donor

• Introduce ideas about disclosure to the child, family, friends, and others

• Provide space to review decision-making issues regarding donor selection and embryo management that may not have come up yet

• When applicable, topics specific to single parents, same-sex couples, and couples or individuals who are expanding their family through donor gametes are discussed.

• Recipients of egg, sperm, and embryo donation usually participate in one 75-minute session.

 

Gestational Carrier and Surrogate Evaluations

Gestational Carrier (GC) arrangements are the most complex in Third-Party Reproduction. Counseling and evaluation by a mental health professional skilled in reproductive counseling and third-party reproduction follows guidelines set forth by American Society for Reproductive Medicine which help to ensure positive outcomes for families and should occur before treatment begins. There are three components to the counseling and evaluation process:

Intended Parent (IP) Evaluation: This is an opportunity for IPs to explore their feelings and ideas, receive education, and discuss concerns so they feel more comfortable and confident as they approach their path to parenthood.

Some of the topics that are covered include:

• Feelings about the loss of carrying the pregnancy,

• readiness of using a Gestational Carrier

• Expectations regarding the relationship and level of communication with the GC, and her family before, during, and after birth

• Teatment issues, such as number of embryos transferred, and number of cycles planned

• Beliefs and concerns about multiple pregnancy and multi-fetal pregnancy reduction

• Beliefs and concerns about termination for a fetal anomaly

• Preferences for prenatal care and delivery

• Disclosure to the child, as well as family and friends.

• This is a 90-minute counseling session

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Evaluation of Gestational Carrier (GC):

Evaluation of a potential GC includes the administration of The Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), and a 3-hour structured clinical interview which explores the GC’s psychological functioning, emotional stability, motivation for carrying, and lifestyle. Additionally, counselor and GC will discuss previous pregnancies and motherhood, as well as thoughts about her ability to separate and relinquish the child. Other topics to be explored include her support system, emotional and physical risks, and GC’s partner’s feelings about the arrangement as they will be asked to be part of the interview process.

 

Group Interview Evaluation:

The 90-minute group interview includes the IPs, GC and GC’s spouse/partner. It is an opportunity to facilitate an exchange of information and for all participants to express preferences and concerns about issues such as, communication, treatment, prenatal care, the birth, the relationship before and after birth, and means for resolving conflicts that may arise during the process.