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Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 5/2009

01-05-2009 | AROUND THE WORLD

Attitudes towards gamete donation among IVF doctors in the Nordic countries—are they in line with national legislation?

Authors: Claudia Lampic, Agneta Skoog Svanberg, Gunilla Sydsjö

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 5/2009

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Abstract

Purpose

To compare attitudes towards gamete donation between IVF doctors in the Nordic countries, and to determine whether attitudes are in correspondence with national legislation.

Materials and methods

A study-specific questionnaire was used to study attitudes of 108 IVF doctors (92% response). Participants constituted 78% of all IVF doctors in Sweden, Denmark and Norway and 15% of IVF doctors in Finland.

Results

Despite similar legislation regarding offspring right to learn his/her donor’s identity, IVF doctors from Norway reported significantly more negative attitudes towards disclosure than did Swedish physicians. A majority from all countries demonstrated positive attitudes towards embryo donation and allowing sperm donation for lesbian couples. Physicians reported strong support for anonymous donation but less support for ‘known’ donation.

Conclusion

There are discrepancies between IVF doctors’ attitudes towards gamete donation and national legislation in four Nordic countries. Negative attitudes towards disclosure to offspring may counteract legislative intentions.
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Metadata
Title
Attitudes towards gamete donation among IVF doctors in the Nordic countries—are they in line with national legislation?
Authors
Claudia Lampic
Agneta Skoog Svanberg
Gunilla Sydsjö
Publication date
01-05-2009
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 5/2009
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-009-9311-0

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