New good practice recommendations published for information provision for those involved in reproductive donation

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) has just published its recommendations for information provision for those involved in reproductive donation (gamete (egg and sperm) and embryo donation). “Good practice recommendations for information provision for those involved in reproductive donation” outlines the implications of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for those involved in donor-assisted conception and provides recommendations for information provision and support for donors, intended parents and donor people.

The working group that produced the recommendations was co-chaired by Dr Lucy Frith, from the Centre for Social Ethics and Policy at the University, and Dr Jackson Kirkham-Brown from the University of Birmingham.

The recommendations bring together key research on information provision in reproductive donation and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive overview of this important area. These recommendations provide guidance to medical assisted reproduction centres and gamete banks on good practice in information provision and support but are also relevant for regulatory bodies and policymakers at a national and international level to guide regulatory and legislative efforts towards the protection of donors and donor-conceived offspring. In total, 32 recommendations were made for information provision and support to donors, 32 for intended parents and 27 for donor-conceived offspring requesting information/support, that cover information needs and informed consent, psychosocial implications and disclosure.

At a time when the landscape of reproductive donation is changing with new technologies such as direct-to-consumer genetic testing, it is important to have an overview of the current research to support practitioners and those who use their services.