“A Lifelong Decision”: A Qualitative Study of Retrospective Perceptions Held by Egg and Sperm Donors
Résumé
Research question: In third-party reproduction, donor anonymity has long been a topic of debate. It is often assumed that past anonymous donors would resist shedding their anonymity, viewing their donation as a distant memory that should remain in the past. But what is the retrospective perception of past gamete donors? Design: This article draws on an exploratory qualitative study involving semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 sperm donors and 12 egg donors, conducted an average of 31 years after their first donation. All participants had been contacted by donor offspring. Results: This study examines how personal life courses and socio-historical contexts shape past gamete donors’ perceptions of their donations as they change over time. Findings show that at the time of donation, donors’ personal histories and the anonymous donation paradigm fostered a view of donation as a time-limited action. However, as time has passed, donors have gained new experiences, achieved new statuses, and witnessed shifts in the social context, leading them to reevaluate the implications of their donations—namely, the birth of human beings with needs and rights. This realisation has prompted donors to consider the long-term impact of their donations, which has transformed those donations into enduring commitments. Conclusions: Contrary to common assumptions, past donors are receptive to social and personal changes. The study demonstrates donors’ evolving perception of their donation as an act with long-term effects and highlights the importance of recognising donors as essential actors within third-party reproduction, deserving of specific consideration and care.