P-562 Elective egg freezers’ disposition decisions: A qualitative study

Abstract Study question What are the factors that influence elective egg freezers’ (EEF) disposition decisions towards their surplus frozen oocytes? Summary answer Achieving motherhood or dealing with grief if was not achieved, complexities of donating to others, and a lack information professional advice. is known already Most women who undergo EEF do use oocytes. Consequently, there an abundant, but unquantified, number oocytes in storage globally. Many deciding about due limits countries such as Australia, Belgium, Finland, Taiwan. However, no studies have examined oocyte decisions. Research exploring relevant embryo planned donation may be relevant. making challenging stressful decision regarding fate limited research available support them. design, size, duration Thirty-one structured interviews took place Australia between October 2021 March 2022. Recruitment via: Facebook (paid advertising, posts on groups organisation sites), newsletters emails from universities organizations, eligible patients IVF clinic, snowballing. A reflexive thematic approach planned; data collection analysis occurred concurrently. until process did identify any new themes saturation been reached. Participants/materials, setting, methods Eligible participants (EEF eggs, 18+, living Australia) were interviewed included had previously made (n = 7), currently 6), yet considered 18). Interviews recorded teleconference, transcribed verbatim anonymised. Transcripts iteratively coded via NVivo analysed, developed inductively. The researcher reflected subjectivity co-authors ensure accuracy clarity interpretation. Main results role chance Six inter-related identified related decision-making process: ‘decisions dynamic’; ‘triggers for final decision’; ‘achieving achieving motherhood’; ‘conceptualisation oocytes’; ‘the impacts others’; ‘external affecting outcome’. All reported type trigger ‘event’ (e.g. completing family). Women achieved more open wanting share joy motherhood, concerned implications child donor-conceived half-siblings) also felt responsibility potential donor children. achieve less likely donate others becoming mother, often feeling alone, misunderstood, unsupported. Reclaiming taking them home) closure ceremonies helped some grief. Donating viewed altruistic option would wasted “complication” genetically linked child. Decisions based misinformation knowledge options consequences, few seeking advice decision. Limitations, reasons caution stated intentions reflect difficult recruit despite comprehensive study advertising. Other limitations convenience sampling conduct teleconference (due COVID). Wider findings Due understanding options, impacts, advice, counselling, aids) suggested. Counselling should occur at least beginning end process, address grief, gaining others. Trial registration Not applicable