Is the intention to adopt a child affected by legalized oocyte donation? A comparative study of eight European countries.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oocyte donation is an effective treatment for females who experience the disability of infertility. The treatment is legal in most of the European countries, but is forbidden in Norway by binding laws. The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board (NBAB) has recommended a change in the Norwegian legislation, but in their recommendation, they discuss how this might reduce the intention to adopt. Because the possible effect is characterized by uncertainty, this study compares eight European countries, five of them who legalize oocyte donation, and three who do not, and the possible effect on the intention to adopt. METHODS: The methods applied in this thesis is multiple regression analyses and treatment effect analyses with nearest neighbor match. Because the infertile females are those affected by the fertility treatment, they are the main interest of this study. However, because fertile females are unaffected by legalized oocyte donation, they are used as a baseline, to avoid confounding from the included countries, created by country-specific preferences. RESULTS: The main result in this study is that the intention to adopt is significantly greater in countries with legalized oocyte donation. Even with the baseline created by fertile females taken into consideration, infertile females’ intention to adopt seems to be about 2% higher in legalized countries. An increase in the intention to adopt, with enhanced supply of fertility treatments, is described theoretically to have several explanations. Most of all, it is expected that increased availability of fertility treatments, such as oocyte donation, also increase the number of females who fail to have a child with the approach. Hence, with their reinforced desire of a child, created by the new treatment, the infertile individuals opt for adoption instead of staying childless. CONCLUSION: The tests indicate that infertile females do not seem to reduce their intention to adopt when oocyte donation is legal. Hence, it does not appear that a decrease in the intention to adopt is an effect the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services need to provide concern, before they decide upon the legislation of oocyte donation.