As genetic screening becomes more common in assisted reproduction, its clinical, social and ethical impacts remain unclear. Specifically, little is known about the experiences and perspectives of stakeholders affected by genetic screening in gamete donation. This study aims to understand what is known about the impact of genetic screening on gamete donation and identify any knowledge gaps by summarising and synthesising the existing literature on the experiences and perspectives of various stakeholders.
A scoping review was conducted using Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus to identify original research, position statements, conference abstracts and posters. Of the 474 articles identified, 28 papers from 20 studies were included in the review. Thematic analysis identified how genetic screening of gamete donors impacted: (i) donor selection, (ii) donor recruitment and availability of donor samples, (iii) relationships between clinics, donors and recipients, and (iv) the responsibilities of healthcare professionals in fertility medicine.
Donors expressed hesitation about their participation in expanded carrier screening. Genetic screening was a primary factor in recipient’s donor selection, yet other factors contributed to their application of genetic screening results. Health professionals working in fertility medicine felt they do not have sufficient expertise with genetic carrier screening to support donors and recipients. The results suggest that all stakeholders feel uncertainty and discomfort around the implications of genetic screening.
Diya Porwal is a second year Masters of Genetic Counselling student at UTS with a background in consumer healthcare communication in Australia, India and Singapore. She is passionate about making healthcare and healthcare information more accessible to everyone. Diya's current research lies at the interface of assisted reproductive medicine and genetic technology.
Reproduction in Society is a seminar series hosted by the Reproductive Biomedicine and Technology Ethics Group at the Monash Bioethics Centre. The purpose of this series is to share research and expertise on, as well as experience with, the social, ethical, and regulatory issues raised by new practices and emerging technologies in reproductive biomedicine.
