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Live nondirected uterus donors: Psychological characteristics and motivation for donation.

Author
Abstract
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Emerging research suggests that uterus transplantation is a viable option for women without a uterus who want to become pregnant and carry a child to term. Currently, no knowledge exists regarding nondirected uterus donors. This study (NCT 02656550) explored the baseline psychological characteristics of nondirected uterus donors at a single study site. Of the 62 potential donors who underwent initial screening, six nondirected donors were chosen and participated in uterus donation. Participants received a comprehensive evaluation, which included clinical history and psychological assessments. The mean age of the donors was 42 years; most (83%) were white/not Hispanic, and all had a college degree. Current depression was reported by two participants, past depression was reported in two participants, and past anxiety was reported in three participants. Based on several different psychological measures, donors had a higher general well-being than the normative sample, and none of the participants' scores indicated psychological distress. All six women indicated that giving another woman an opportunity to carry her own child was a motivation for pursuing uterus donation. Further research on potential psychological motives and gains for the donor as well as long-term effects on donors is crucial for ethical practice. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Year of Publication
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2018
Journal
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American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons
Date Published
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2018
ISSN Number
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1600-6135
URL
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajt.14670
DOI
:
10.1111/ajt.14670
Short Title
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Am J Transplant
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