Third-party reproduction: a treatment that grows with societal changes

Abstract

Third-party reproduction refers to the use of eggs, sperm, or embryos that have been donated by a third person (the donor) to enable individuals or couples (the intended parents) with infertility to have a child. This differs from the traditional father-mother family model with no third parties involved. Third-party reproduction is also used by couples that are unable to reproduce by traditional means, same-sex couples, and men and women without a partner. This has emerged as a treatment option with great success rates in a scene of changing family constellations. Consequently, this therapeutic alternative has become a realistic solution which has brought great satisfaction and happiness to people who otherwise would have not been able to achieve parenthood if these options were not medically and legally available.

Keywords: Third-party; cross borders; egg donor; embryo donation; gestational carrier; mitochondrial replacement; sperm donor; surrogacy.