[Profiles and motivations of women seeking oocyte preservation in France: A two-years' survey].

Abstract

Objectives: The new bioethics law of August 2, 2021 allows French women to self-preserve.

Methods: National observational survey over 2 years based on an online questionnaire conducted under the aegis of GEDO (Groupe d'études pour le don d'ovocytes).

Results: The average age of the 282 women who answered the questionnaire, 34.5 years, is consistent with the benefit/risk balance described in the literature. The most educated women, also very vulnerable, remain the most affected. They are single and childless, but most of them see themselves as a couple and want to become mothers in the future. Their main motivation is to have the choice to postpone a pregnancy without fear of infertility until they have found a suitable partner. Careerist or selfish motivations are anecdotal. The projected fate of unused vitrified oocytes is above all donation to others.

Conclusion: This study shows that oocyte self-preservation is undeniably experienced as a societal victory and is perceived as a step towards gender equality. While oocyte self-preservation is not an absolute guarantee of having a future child, it is part of a primary preventive strategy for age-related fertility decline. Public authorities and health professionals will have to widely disseminate accurate and complete information to allow everyone to have access to an informed reproductive choice.