Attitudes toward gamete donation and surrogacy

Aims: Parenting is a common desire for many individuals, although for some becoming a parent implies the use of assisted reproductive technologies, such as gamete donation or gestational surrogacy. Given the paucity of studies addressing attitudes towards gamete donation/reception and gestational surrogacy, the current study aimed to explore the attitudes of individuals of reproductive age concerning these techniques. Methods: The study was conducted in a sample of 551 subjects, aged between 18 and 40 years old. Participants were recruited through a snow ball sampling and completed an online questionnaire specifically developed for the study. The questionnaire encompassed a set of questions related the subjects' positioning towards gamete donation/reception and gestational surrogacy. Results: The majority of participants revealed a positive attitude towards the gamete donation/reception. The primary motivation for gamete donation was to help a couple who cannot have children. Concerning gamete reception, data suggest that this is a well-accepted circumstance by the participants. Regarding gestational surrogacy, although there is an approving position to its legalization, not all the participants would consider this possibility. Those who would consider it stated that they would feel happy to accomplish the dream of becoming a mother/father. Conclusions: Overall, gamete reception/donation is well-accepted. Aspects such as achieve parenthood and being able to care for a child from birth are relevant, suggesting the genetic component to be less important. In turn, gamete donation seems to be related to altruistic motivations, and can be enhanced by the existence of counselling. The gestational surrogacy complexity may contribute to less openness, even if the subjects agree with its legalization in Portugal.