Getting eggs ‘out of the basket’: facilitating decisions about surplus frozen eggs

Research question: What are the barriers to decision making about surplus eggs, and what factors would enable the donation of surplus eggs to others or to research? Design: This exploratory pilot mixed-methods study comprised (i) an online survey of 50 people who had frozen their eggs, and (ii) semi-structured follow-up interviews with 16 people. Data were collected from seven IVF clinics from one fertility group primarily located in Victoria, Australia. The factors that influence decision making about surplus eggs, and the barriers to and enablers of egg donation, were investigated. Results: Decision making about the fate of surplus eggs is often complex and sometimes based on inadequate or inaccurate information. Participants suggested that decision making could be facilitated by providing timely support, targeted information and ongoing communication. Participants suggested that insights into the experiences of egg donation from donors, donor-conceived children and intended recipients would be helpful in deciding whether to donate their surplus eggs to others. Factors that could encourage donation to research include information about research goals, outcomes and medical impacts. Conclusions: Several strategies are proposed that could be readily implemented to make it easier for people to come to a decision about surplus eggs rather than discarding them, leaving eggs in storage indefinitely or avoiding these decisions and abandoning eggs. More timely information about the options for surplus eggs and about the lived experience of people who have made similar decisions, as well as those who have received donor eggs and their families, would be welcomed by patients with frozen eggs.