Q&A | Get some answers before using a donor

Families considering using an egg or sperm donor should carefully consider the following:

• The agency: Call respected fertility practices to ask for recommendations on agencies that match donors and recipients. Avoid using agencies or doctors who have referral agreements in which either collects a fee.

• Track record: Ask the agency about its experience with the donor.

• Screening: Some agencies require only that donors fill out questionnaires. You can find a typical questionnaire at www.acog.org/acb-custom/aa402.pdf. Other agencies require that each donor meet with a certified genetic counselor who asks detailed questions about her background. Tests generally are not done for genetic disorders unless the donor falls into a high-risk category. Find out which diseases are part of the testing regimen.

• Family history: Learn as much about your ancestors as possible. Consider talking to your oldest living relatives about their parents and grandparents. Discuss what you've learned with a genetic counselor.

• Contracts: Read consent forms and contracts carefully. Most contracts between donors and recipients place all the responsibility for the baby's health on the recipients. Make sure you understand who is responsible for screening and testing the donor. Consider including a requirement that the donor will consent to testing if a problem arises after the child is born.

• Conflicts of interest: Fertility doctors treat recipients as patients, but they also treat the egg donor and, in some cases, the surrogate mother. Everyone has a distinct interest. Make sure it's clear what each person's responsibilities are.

Los Angeles Times research