eClaire

Right, you've all probably seen the thread about how I would like to donate ovums.

Now I pose a question:

Imagine you are in the unfortunate position of suffering from infertility and would like to start a family with your spouse. You have turned to assisted conception. After nearly two years of searching, you have found a donor that you feel is right --ie healthy, intelligent, not too bad looking and whatever else you see fit.

But there is a problem -- the family medical history isn't too good, it is as follows:

(accumulated from the following relatives) Grandmother 1 (Deceased), Grandfather 1 (Deceased), Grandmother 2, Grandfather 2, 2 Aunts and 1 Uncle, Parents and Siblings:

Glaucoma, strokes, lung Cancer, very bad Asthma, Cancer of the liver, breast cancer x 2, generic heart disease, cervical cancer x 2.

Now bearing in mind the female is very healthy and has had no major illnesses, regularly has check ups with the local nurse etc.

Would you or wouldn't you?

TIA

Claire

imlach

I would imagine that if there is a shortage of ovums generally, some people would gladly take you on and accept the (small) risk.

After all, most couples don't decide on whether to have/not have children of their own based on past family history of health such as the ones you've stated (aside from extreme cases of genetic issues).

eClaire

But then if something happens to the child in later life, would the parents be able to hold me responsible?

I suppose they are not thinking about that at the time, and you would have to be pretty cold hearted to do something like that, but those types of people are out there

imlach

I would imagine the legal implications have been thrashed out to absolve you of any liabilities......do they, for instance, keep a record of who you are so that the child could trace you in later life?

I need to find your original thread - where is it?

eClaire

http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/showthread.php?t=300412

Jiggerypokery

OVA.

eClaire

LOL, I know I know. It was one of those things where I was a little confused and couldn't be bothered looking it up!

scoobypreza

I agree with Imlach.

The illness history you mention could be common in anyone’s family.
I'm sure we all have a variety of illnesses in our family history it would be impossible not to have.
I imagine that you would have to fill out extensive medical forms stating all family medical history. There must be a standard of health that would have to be achieved before you would be considered by a clinic. So if there are no problems found by their criteria I don't see it being a problem.
I wonder how much information is passed onto the parents anyway? I know its different if you are donating to someone you know but if it is an anonymous donation I wonder if the parents are told anything more than basic information about the donor?

My husband doesn't know his real father and we have no idea what genetic problems there might be in the family history but it isn't something we think about. We will just have to deal with any health problems that happen as they occur.

I'm sure a family will be overjoyed to be given the chance at having a baby using your donated eggs.

Sounds like you are giving it serious consideration eClaire.
Like I said in the other thread. Good on you

Cath

eClaire

Cheers Cath

Right, I am going to phone the doctors to book an appointment with my GP for a little chat

Edited to say: Just been on the phone to Edinburgh RI, assisted conception. Sister is going to ring me back tomorrow for a little chat

imlach

You'll be in good hands at the new ERI

The maternity unit is one of the best around right now.......(that includes all areas such as assisted conception etc)

eClaire

Are aunty and uncle ricky expecting?

imlach

No, but Auntie Ricky works there and is lead for controlling/stopping clinical infection in ALL parts of the hospital (and Western too).

So she has "access all areas" (a rare priveldge) so to speak to teach/control/criticise the consultants/nurses etc.

So, she knows & sees a lot going on in the maternity unit.

eClaire

Nicci

At least by donating, you are giving couples the option of choosing your ova or not.

Better than having nothing at all.

Go for it.

chaos.

If I was one of those IVF quacks, I'd fertilise the egg with my own fine (ha!) genes and create a world of highly intelligent beings, quite like oneself

Johnny50

Claire...You go for it girl, if you decide thats what you want to do.

As someone said in the other thread, it's the ultimate gift for those that cannot conceive, fair enough, lots of people will disagree, and say that if someone cant get pregnant, it's not meant to be.

Myself and Wife to be are still unsure if we can have a family due to past medical problems thats she's had, and if it turns out we cant have kids..we may just accept that, and thats it, but to be given the choice is another thing.

You do what you feel is best.

eClaire

Sorry to hear that Johnny

I have noticed that it is mainly decent hardworking 'normal' people that suffer from infertility. Then you get all the scum (like on wifeswap) breeding like rats




But if you need any help, you got my email

Johnny50

Ta Luv.

Scooby96

I would have thought the question of family history would be decided on prior to you even having tests to see if you were healthy enough. There must be guidelines to say if x,y or z rellies have had a, b or c disease then this will prevent you from donating.

eClaire

I am hypothetically speaking.

I will know for sure once I speak with the relevant people.

I don't think it will be a problem though (fingers crossed) all the major stuff was my grandparents and a few of my aunts and uncles. My parents haven't really had any major illnesses (touch wood it doesn't happen!).