A sociological study of intending parents’ attitudes towards donor gametes in IVF in India from the perspective of fertility specialists

Abstract

This research delves into the sociological dimensions of couples’ attitudes toward donor gametes, emphasizing the critical role of doctors as facilitators of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). By examining gamete donation—a process central to ARTs—through a thematic analysis of 23 academic studies, the study categorizes findings into four primary actor groups: donors, recipients, traders, and doctors. The research identifies major themes such as confidentiality, commodification, sociocultural influences, and emotional impacts, highlighting the ethical and logistical challenges inherent in gamete donation. This analysis highlights the interplay among stakeholders, offering insights into how ARTs practices are shaped by diverse cultural and social dynamics. The larger project aims to explore these themes further by conducting primary research through interviews with IVF and infertility specialists in Delhi NCR, focusing on their perspectives on patients’ responses to donor gametes. So far, the study has reviewed relevant literature and categorized key themes, providing a foundation for the upcoming qualitative re- search phase, which will deepen the understanding of ARTs practices from a clinical and cultural standpoint.