Table of Contents
Characteristics of Israeli Oocyte Donors and Their Recipients
The Israeli framework for oocyte donation stipulates that only women between the ages of 21 and 35 can donate their eggs, and all donors must be unmarried (Preisler et al., 2024). This regulation is intended to prevent complications related to the Jewish law regarding parentage and the status of children born from donated oocytes. Sociodemographic data indicates that most donors are young Jewish women, often single and childless, predominantly of Ashkenazi descent (Preisler et al., 2024).
In contrast, the recipients of oocyte donations tend to be older, with a mean age of approximately 44.6 years, often facing challenges related to infertility due to age-related factors (Preisler et al., 2024). The main reasons for seeking oocyte donation among recipients are age-related infertility and failed IVF attempts, with 80% of the recipients being over the age of 40. This demographic disparity raises questions about the physiological and psychological implications of the oocyte donation process, including the ethical considerations of donor anonymity and compensation (Preisler et al., 2024).
Table 1: Characteristics of Oocyte Donors and Recipients in Israel
| Characteristic | Oocyte Donors (n=26) | Oocyte Recipients (n=69) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Age (years) | 29 | 44.6 |
| Religion | Jewish (96.2%) | Jewish (100%) |
| Marital Status | Single (80.8%) | Single (52.3%) |
| Employment Status | Employed (84.6%) | Employed (N/A) |
| Indications for Donation | Age ≥ 40 years (80%) | Age-related infertility (80%) |
| Sperm Source | Partner (49.2%) | Donor (50.8%) |
Data obtained from Preisler et al. (2024).
Outcomes of the National Oocyte Donation Program in Israel
The outcomes of the Israeli OD program reflect the complex interplay between legal restrictions and clinical efficacy. From March 2016 to November 2020, a total of 30 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were performed, resulting in 166 embryo transfers (ETs) (Preisler et al., 2024). The pregnancy rates, clinical pregnancy rates, and live birth rates were observed to be 28.6%, 19.2%, and 18.2% respectively. These figures are notably lower than those reported in other countries, where live birth rates can exceed 50% per cycle (Preisler et al., 2024).
Table 2: IVF Outcomes of Oocyte Donation in Israel
| Outcome Measure | Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy Rate per ET | 28.6 |
| Clinical Pregnancy Rate per ET | 19.2 |
| Live Birth Rate per ET | 18.2 |
| Early Miscarriage Rate | 28 |
Data obtained from Preisler et al. (2024).
The relatively low success rates can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the age of the recipients plays a significant role; advanced maternal age is associated with decreased ovarian receptivity and lower implantation rates (Preisler et al., 2024). Additionally, the regulation limiting the number of embryos transferred to one or two can impact the overall live birth rates, as it reduces the chances of successful implantation (Preisler et al., 2024).
Challenges Faced by Oocyte Donors and Recipients in Israel
The challenges faced by both oocyte donors and recipients in Israel are multifaceted. For donors, the stringent legal requirements can deter potential candidates. The focus on unmarried women limits the pool of willing donors, as many young women in Israel are married by their late twenties (Preisler et al., 2024). Moreover, the financial compensation provided may not be perceived as sufficient to incentivize donations, leading to a scarcity of donors in comparison to the demand for oocytes (Preisler et al., 2024).
On the recipient side, the emotional and psychological burdens are significant. Many recipients experience feelings of inadequacy and distress related to their infertility, particularly given the social pressures surrounding motherhood in Israeli society. The legal restrictions on donor anonymity can also complicate the psychological well-being of both parties, as recipients may feel a lack of connection or closure regarding their donor’s identity (Preisler et al., 2024).
Table 3: Reported Challenges in Oocyte Donation
| Challenge | Donors | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| Limited donor pool | Yes | No |
| Insufficient compensation | Yes | No |
| Emotional distress | No | Yes |
| Legal restrictions | Yes | Yes |
| Concerns about donor anonymity | No | Yes |
Data obtained from Preisler et al. (2024).
Implications of Oocyte Donation Policies on Fertility Treatments
The implications of the current regulations on oocyte donation for fertility treatments in Israel are profound. The restrictive nature of the laws not only limits the availability of oocytes but also affects the emotional and psychological landscape for both donors and recipients. Such limitations could lead to increased costs for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and potential disparities in access to these critical services (Preisler et al., 2024).
Furthermore, the emphasis on matching donors and recipients by religion can exacerbate existing inequalities within the healthcare system, potentially leaving some demographics underserved (Preisler et al., 2024). The need for policy reform is evident; easing restrictions around donor eligibility and expanding the pool of potential donors could significantly enhance the success rates of IVF treatments and the overall experience for those involved in the process.
FAQ
What are the eligibility criteria for oocyte donors in Israel?
In Israel, oocyte donors must be unmarried women aged between 21 and 35 years. They are also required to undergo medical evaluations and genetic screening.
What are the success rates of oocyte donation in Israel?
The pregnancy rate from embryo transfers (ETs) in the Israeli oocyte donation program is approximately 28.6%, with a live birth rate of 18.2% per ET.
Why are the success rates lower in Israel compared to other countries?
Factors contributing to lower success rates include the advanced age of recipients, restrictions on the number of embryos transferred, and the limited number of available donors due to stringent regulations.
What challenges do oocyte donors face in Israel?
Oocyte donors face challenges such as limited compensation, stringent legal requirements, and potential emotional burdens associated with the donation process.
How do legal regulations affect the experience of oocyte recipients?
Legal regulations can create emotional stress for recipients, particularly regarding issues of donor anonymity and the implications of using donated gametes in relation to religious and cultural beliefs.
References
- Preisler, L., Samara, N., Kalma, Y., Groutz, T., & Azem, F. (2024). Stringent Regulations of Oocyte Donation Among Jewish Women in Israel: Characteristics and Outcomes of the National Oocyte Donation Program in One Central IVF Unit. Journal of Religion and Health, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02200-7
- Sauer, M. V., & Kavic, S. M. (2006). Oocyte and embryo donation 2006: Reviewing two decades of innovation and controversy. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 12(2), 153–162 10)60855-3
- Kenney, N. J., & McGowan, M. L. (2010). Looking back: Egg donors’ retrospective evaluations of their motivations, expectations, and experiences during their first donation cycle. Fertility and Sterility, 93(2), 455–466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.09.081
- Kamath, M. S., & Sunkara, S. K. (2017). Perinatal outcomes after oocyte donation and in-vitro fertilization. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 29(3), 126–130
- Blázquez, A., Vassena, R., Rodríguez, A., Figueras, F., & Vernaeve, V. (2016). Characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing fertility treatment by double gamete donation. Human Fertility (Camb), 19(3), 180–185