Evaluating egg donor recruitment strategies in Czech ART clinics: a critical analysis of informed consent and ethical considerations

• Authors: Anna De Bayas Sanchez , Jitka Fialová , Hana Konečná , Francisco Güell
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

There is a high demand for egg donors in the Czech Republic, driven by international couples’ interest in assisted reproductive procedures due to affordable treatment, no waiting list, and an extended age limit for recipients up to 49 years. For a population of 10.5 million, the country has 48 reproductive clinics. This study aims to evaluate Czech egg donor recruitment campaigns through the lens of free, informed, and specific consent requirements. A quantitative-qualitative analysis of recruitment strategies from 29 unique clinic websites in Czechia was conducted, with 12 sites specifically designed for marketing purposes. The analysis was based on 14 criteria. Of the 29 clinic websites, only three did not indicate compensation amounts, ranging from 800 to 1400 EUR. Thirteen clinics did not provide information on risks associated with oocyte donation, with one falsely stating no risks exist. Twenty-two websites used emotionally evocative quotes and images. Thirteen clinics did not disclose time commitments, and one provided misleading information. Seventeen clinics omitted conditions for donor refusal and the number of allowable donations. Eighteen clinics did not offer post-donation referrals. Conversely, 15 clinics highlighted psychological benefits, and 23 emphasized health benefits. None fully complied with international guidelines on oocyte donation. Analysed websites lack sufficient information for responsible egg donation decisions. The emphasis on compensation, benefits, and suggestive graphics creates an image of safe, community-oriented donation, potentially leading to inadequate understanding of health risks and commodification of the female body.

Keywords

EN

assisted reproduction; oocyte donation; informed consent; misleading advertising

Discipline

• SOCIOLOGY: SOCIOLOGY

• Publisher: Institute of Sociology, Czech Academy of Sciences
• Journal: Sociologický časopis. Czech Sociological Review
• Year: 2024
• Volume: 60
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 321-346
• Document type: ARTICLE

Contributors

author

Anna De Bayas Sanchez

• Sociologický časopis, redakce, Sociologický ústav AV ČR, v.v.i., Jilská 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic

author

Jitka Fialová

• Sociologický časopis, redakce, Sociologický ústav AV ČR, v.v.i., Jilská 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic

author

Hana Konečná

• Sociologický časopis, redakce, Sociologický ústav AV ČR, v.v.i., Jilská 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic

author

Francisco Güell

• Sociologický časopis, redakce, Sociologický ústav AV ČR, v.v.i., Jilská 1, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic