Field Pressures Prompt Call for Proactive Risk Management in Egg Donor Screening
BY: INSIDE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Increased legal challenges and the growing prevalence of commercial genetic testing are placing heightened scrutiny on egg donor screening practices within the fertility field. The combination of evolving legal landscapes and advances in genetic analysis has underscored the importance of adhering strictly to guidelines set by organizations such as the ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine), ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics), and the FDA.
Field experts stress that failure to meet these guidelines could lead to significant legal, ethical, and reputational risks for fertility clinics, egg banks, and associated providers. Amy Duckett, Genetic Counseling Liaison, warns, “When screening a gamete donor, it is incredibly important to follow guidelines and recommendations set by governing bodies to reduce the potential risk to donor-conceived people and their future families.”
The risk landscape has been reshaped by the widespread use of consumer-focused genetic testing platforms like 23andMe and Ancestry.com. These services make it increasingly difficult to conceal donor identities or errors in donor records. Cases of donor misrepresentation and misidentified donors are now more likely to be exposed, leading to potential lawsuits and negative media attention.
For example, the Georgia Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in a case concerning a sperm bank’s failure to disclose critical information about a donor highlighted the legal consequences of inaccurate or withheld data. According to the court’s decision, the clinic’s failure to provide accurate medical and genetic information constituted a breach of trust and a violation of consumer protection laws. This development emphasizes the urgent need for more robust and transparent screening processes.
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Potential for Increase In Negligence Claims
Errors in donor screening can lead to serious issues for intended parents and donor-conceived individuals. Among the most pressing concerns are inaccuracies in medical records, overlooked genetic incompatibilities, and psychological evaluation deficiencies. Duckett explains, “Genetic counselors must ask themselves, even if the donor meets the bare minimum requirements, does this donor have too many possible increased risks for intended parents who are looking for the best possible chance of having a healthy child?”
Medical and legal repercussions for fertility clinics that fail to screen rigorously are significant. Undetected conditions such as a family history of bipolar disorder, heart disease, or other hereditary illnesses may result in costly and damaging litigation. Additionally, overlooked RH factor issues or inaccurate maternity/paternity information can have life-altering implications for both donors and intended parents.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine noted, "Advances in genetic testing, especially genomic testing, are likely to make family history more redundant," but the same study cautioned that this also increases "the potential for negligence claims when clinics fail to act on genetic findings."
Leading Egg Bank Implements Proactive Screening Strategies
Leading fertility providers are adopting stricter screening protocols to mitigate these risks. Comprehensive genetic testing, thorough psychological evaluations, and detailed family medical histories are becoming standard practice. Duckett emphasizes that merely meeting the minimum guidelines is no longer sufficient. “We must be proactive in screening donors to give the intended parents the best quality donor,” she states.
Some egg banks have gone beyond field requirements by implementing additional measures such as karyotyping, extensive psychological assessments, and consultations with certified genetic counselors. These steps are aimed at ensuring that donors are not only eligible under existing guidelines but also suitable for the specific needs of intended parents.
The move towards known or semi-known donation models adds another layer of complexity. This shift, driven by the advocacy of donor-conceived individuals, requires thorough education and consent processes for donors. The potential for future contact between donors and offspring necessitates that donors fully understand the long-term implications of their participation. Duckett notes, “Centers should really pause and ask themselves if a donor is right for known donation, or donation at all.”
Experts advocate for clearer donor guidance
As genetic testing technologies continue to evolve, fertility practices must remain adaptable and vigilant. The anticipated rise in genome and exome sequencing will likely provide more detailed donor profiles, but with that comes the challenge of managing an influx of complex genetic data. Field experts are advocating for clearer guidelines on how to handle this information and what responsibilities fertility centers have toward donors and intended parents.
A Swedish follow-up study of 210 oocyte and sperm donors found that "one in four donors reported a need for counseling about how to manage potential future contact with offspring from their donation." This underscores the need for ongoing psychological support and comprehensive education during the screening process.
Unlock More Opportunities for Your Clinic Today!
Grow Your Clinic and Expand Egg Donor Options—Become a Partner with MyEggBank!
Are you ready to provide more choices for intended parents and offer your clinic the opportunity to join an exclusive, national network?
As a MyEggBank Partner, You Will:
Increase patient satisfaction by referring them to MyEggBank’s large inventory of both fresh donors and frozen eggs
Visit our website to become a partner or affiliate with MyEggBank today!
This News Digest Story is paid featured content. The advertiser has had editorial input and control over its creation. However, the views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Inside Reproductive Health. The sponsorship of this content does not imply an endorsement by Inside Reproductive Health.
