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Institutional Perspectives on Assisted Reproductive Technology Using Third‐Party Gametes in Japan: A Nationwide Survey of Assisted Reproductive Technology Facilities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To clarify institutional perspectives on assisted reproductive technology (ART) using third-party gametes. Methods: We surveyed 634 facilities registered with the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and 416 responses were included in a descriptive analysis. Results: Psychosocial and economic stability of ART recipient couples were considered necessary in most facilities (94.6%). Japanese nationality and legal marriage were necessary recipient criteria in 36.8% and 54.3% facilities, respectively. Lower and upper age limits for female recipients were 20-25 and 43-45 years, respectively, whereas most male partners had no upper age limit (34.6%-36.6%). The most common upper age limit for oocyte donors was 35 years (67.9%). In contrast, upper age limits for sperm donors were more dispersed, with 40 years being the most common age at response to intrauterine insemination (35.6%) and in vitro fertilization (35.9%). The most accepted indications were hypergonadotropic hypogonadism for oocyte donation (87.5%) and failure to retrieve sperm via micro-testicular sperm extraction for donor sperm treatment (97.3%). Most facilities considered psychosocial support necessary. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of institutional perspectives on third-party ART in Japan. Although facilities showed substantial agreement on core principles, their views on specific eligibility and operational criteria varied.

Source: Reproductive Medicine and Biology

DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.70108