Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review 2024, 60(3): 321-346 | DOI: 10.13060/csr.2024.019

Evaluating Egg Donor Recruitment Strategies in Czech ART Clinics: A Critical Analysis of Informed Consent and Ethical Considerations

Anna De Bayas Sanchez ORCID...1, Jitka Fialová ORCID...2, Hana Konečná ORCID...2, Francisco Güell ORCID...3
1 Charles University, First faculty of medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
2 University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
3 Universidad de Navarra, Institute for Culture and Society, Pamplona, Spain

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: assisted reproduction, oocyte donation, informed consent, misleading advertising

Received: October 27, 2023; Revised: June 12, 2024; Accepted: June 13, 2024; Published: July 18, 2024  Show citation

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De Bayas Sanchez, A., Fialová, J., Konečná, H., & Güell, F. (2024). Evaluating Egg Donor Recruitment Strategies in Czech ART Clinics: A Critical Analysis of Informed Consent and Ethical Considerations. Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review, 60(3), 321-346. doi: 10.13060/csr.2024.019
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