Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE: We determined the prevalence of requests for postmortem sperm procurement and the degree to which procurement is performed by those working in the field of infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Structured telephone interviews were conducted with personnel at 273 assisted reproductive facilities in the United States and Canada. The number of facilities reporting requests and the number of facilities reporting that they performed the procedure were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of requests for postmortem sperm procurement was much greater than initially anticipated. A total of 82 requests was reported at 40 facilities in 22 different states between 1980 and 1995. More than half of the reported requests (43) were made between 1994 and 1995. Of the 82 requests 25 were honored at 14 facilities in 11 different states. No requests or procedures were reported from Canada. CONCLUSIONS: Medical advances in postmortem sperm procurement, cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization permit retrieval of sperm after death for various purposes, including posthumous fatherhood. There are no explicit ethical guidelines, legislation or relevant case law, and fertility specialists must confront these issues before proceeding in a field fraught with moral and policy uncertainties.

The literature defines nondirectiveness as a genetic counseling strategy that supports autonomous decision-making by clients [Fine, 1993]. This study surveyed 781 full members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) between April and June, 1993, to assess how they define nondirectiveness, its importance to their practice, and how and why they are ever directive. Almost 96% of 383 respondents reported viewing nondirectiveness as very important, but 72% stated they are sometimes directive. The most common reasons for directiveness include: difficulties ensuring that verbal and nonverbal cues remain nondirective; to recommend testing; client is unable to understand; a better choice is clear; to recommend medical care or counseling; or when a client has difficulty making a decision. Nonsignificant Chi-square analyses indicated that counselor responses were independent of counselor demographics. While these findings suggest that nondirectiveness is a goal in genetic counseling, it is not the only goal. Recognition of the delicate balance between directing the process and defining the outcome of genetic counseling can enhance clinicians' ability to discern the circumstances under which directiveness is and is not appropriate.