Live nondirected uterus donors: Psychological characteristics and motivation for donation.
Ann M. Warren Ph.D.
Warren, A. M., G. Testa, T. Anthony, G. J. McKenna, G. B. Klintmalm, K. Wallis, E. C. Koon, R. T. Gunby, Jr. and L. Johannesson (2018). “Live nondirected uterus donors: Psychological characteristics and motivation for donation.” Am J Transplant 18(5): 1122-1128
Emerging research suggests that uterus transplantation is a viable option for women without a uterus who want to become pregnant and carry a child to term. Currently, no knowledge exists regarding nondirected uterus donors. This study (NCT 02656550) explored the baseline psychological characteristics of nondirected uterus donors at a single study site. Of the 62 potential donors who underwent initial screening, 6 nondirected donors were chosen and participated in uterus donation. Participants received a comprehensive evaluation, which included clinical history and psychological assessments. The mean age of the donors was 42 years; most (83%) were white/not Hispanic, and all had a college degree. Current depression was reported by 2 participants, past depression was reported in 2 participants, and past anxiety was reported in 3 participants. Based on several different psychological measures, donors had a higher general well-being than the normative sample, and none of the participants’ scores indicated psychological distress. All 6 women indicated that giving another woman an opportunity to carry her own child was a motivation for pursuing uterus donation. Further research on potential psychological motives and gains for the donor as well as long-term effects on donors is crucial for ethical practice.