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Pereira H. Children of Single Fathers Created by Surrogacy: Psychosocial Adjustment Considerations and Implications for Research and Practice. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1644. [PMID: 36360372 PMCID: PMC9688871 DOI: 10.3390/children9111644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The existence of single-father families formed by surrogacy is becoming a more visible reality, even though this type of family organization is still perceived with stigma and negative attitudes by more traditional sectors of society, because it raises some concerns regarding the psychosocial well-being of children who are born into single-fathers' families via surrogacy, and in many cases, to gay single men who wish to become fathers. On the other hand, available research on the psychosocial well-being of these children is still very scarce and limited to a handful of Western countries. Hence, it is of utmost importance to examine studies that explore the psychosocial adjustment of these children. In this mini review, I show that all the studies revised demonstrate the good psychosocial adjustment of these children, and that they are as likely to flourish as children born into traditional families, even if they may find themselves exposed to prejudice and stigma. In conclusion, single fatherhood and surrogacy do not contribute to any adverse consequences to the children's psychosocial development and adjustment, and there is no observed evidence to why single men, irrespective of their sexual orientation, should not be fathers via surrogacy. Finally, implications for future research and interventions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Pereira
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pόlo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal;
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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2
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Andreassen R. From the families we choose to the families we find online: media technology and queer family making. FEMINIST THEORY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/14647001211059517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Since the mid-2000s, a number of Western countries have witnessed an increase in the number of children born into ‘alternative’ or ‘queer’ families. Parallel with this queer baby boom, online media technologies have become intertwined with most people’s intimate lives. While these two phenomena have appeared simultaneously, their integration has seldom been explored. In an attempt to fill this gap, the present article explores the ways in which contemporary queer reproduction is interwoven with online media practices. Importantly, the article does not understand online media as a technology that simply facilitates queer kinship; rather, it argues that online media technology is a reproductive technology in its own right. Drawing on empirical examples of media practices of kinning, such as online shopping for donor sperm and locating ‘donor siblings’ via online fora such as Facebook, the article analyses the merging and intersection of online media and queer kinship. These analyses serve as a foundation for an exploration of contemporary kinship and the development of a new theoretical framework for contemporary queer reproduction. Empirically, the examples are from single women’s (i.e. solo mothers) and lesbian couples’ family making. Using Weston's work on ‘chosen families’ as a backdrop for discussion, the article describes families of choice in light of new online kinship connections. In particular, the article focuses on online-initiated connections between donor siblings and how such connections can re-inscribe biology as important to queer kinship. Furthermore, it closely examines how media technology guides queer reproduction in particular directions and how technology causes becoming as a family.
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Bioethical issues and legal frameworks of surrogacy: A global perspective about the right to health and dignity. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 258:1-8. [PMID: 33387981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Modern advances in assisted reproduction technology (ART) have disrupted the traditional concept of parenthood. Every year, thousands of people travel abroad from their home countries in order to circumvent restrictive legislation or to benefit from lower fees. In a similar context, surrogacy raises many bioethical and legal issues. The present paper will address the main questions arising from the debate prompted by surrogacy, focusing on international legislation, and looking critically at the different legislative models. As a result of worldwide heterogeneity in policies, legal approaches, and access to ART throughout the world, a growing number of would-be parents are seeking treatment abroad. The lack of regulation on cross-border surrogacy in low income countries can undermine the dignity and rights of women as even modest economic compensation determines a significant purchasing power. The international effort should be aimed at creating an international regulatory framework from which guidelines useful to national governments derive. An international agreement would provide a solid legal basis for the protection of surrogate women. In order to limit the economic interests linked to procreative tourism, so as to truly protect global health and women's rights, legislative uniformity is therefore necessary between the various states.
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4
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Lewis S, Amor DJ, Glynn A, Wilton L, Halliday J. Child health after preimplantation genetic testing. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:609-619. [PMID: 33526358 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Despite the increasing use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for aneuploidy and monogenic diseases, for children conceived using PGT there is limited follow-up beyond 2 years of age. This study examined the health, well-being and development of school-aged children (5-8 years old) conceived following PGT. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of children conceived after IVF with PGT (exposed cohort) and children conceived after IVF without PGT (unexposed cohort) at two IVF clinics in Melbourne, born between 2000 and 2008, recruited with a 1:2 ratio. Mothers of the children completed a questionnaire asking child-specific questions regarding health and well-being, mental health, development, educational achievement and family-specific questions regarding family functioning and parent-child attachment. RESULTS A total of 155 participants were recruited to the PGT cohort and 303 participants to the IVF-only cohort. There were no differences between the two cohorts with regards to maternal characteristics, birth defect frequency and pregnancy characteristics, apart from delivery by Caesarean section, which was more frequent in PGT singletons (55%) compared with IVF-only singletons (36%). While no significant differences between the PGT and IVF-only cohorts were found for the majority of general health and psychological scales, there were differences when compared with population data. Children in the exposed cohort appeared to have more positive outcomes in many of the measures. CONCLUSION The data from this study suggest that PGT does not cause adverse outcomes in children. However, the nature (self-report) and small sample size of the study must be taken into consideration when interpreting the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Lewis
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Victoria, Australia.
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Anne Glynn
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jane Halliday
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne Victoria, Australia
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5
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Schrijvers AM, van Rooij FB, de Reus E, Schoonenberg M, van der Veen F, Visser M, Bos HM, Mochtar MH. Psychosocial counselling in donor sperm treatment: unmet needs and mental health among heterosexual, lesbian and single women. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:885-891. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Patel A, Kumar P, Sharma PSVN. "The Miracle Mothers and Marvelous Babies": Psychosocial Aspects of Surrogacy - A Narrative Review. J Hum Reprod Sci 2020; 13:89-99. [PMID: 32792755 PMCID: PMC7394089 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_33_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Surrogates are described in literature as true angels “who make dreams happen.” On the other hand, surrogacy has also been surrounded by several psychosocial controversies. In this review, we have made an attempt to encapsulate this topic from the multiple perspectives of individuals who are involved in the surrogacy cycle. We present to the readers the various outlooks and dilemmas of the clinicians, patient parties contracting for surrogacy, the child born out of surrogacy, and the intricate role of the mental health professionals in surrogacy arrangements. The review also throws light upon the psychosocial issues in connection to the evolving Surrogacy practices in Indian and in the Western world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansha Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College, MAHE, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Pratap Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal University (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - P S V N Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Schrijvers AM, van Rooij FB, Overbeek G, de Reus E, Schoonenberg M, van der Veen F, Visser M, Bos HMW, Mochtar MH. Psychosocial counselling for intended parents who opt for donor sperm treatment: which topics do they find relevant? J Reprod Infant Psychol 2019; 38:474-484. [PMID: 31852263 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2019.1702632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore which topics intended parents who opt for donor sperm treatment find relevant to discuss in psychosocial counselling. Background: The choice for donor sperm treatment has psychosocial implications for intended parents and therefore psychosocial counselling is advised as an integral part of DST. To date, little is known about which topics intended parents find relevant to discuss in psychosocial counselling. Methods: We conducted 25 semi-structured in-depth interviews between 2015 and 2017 with heterosexual men and women, lesbian women and single women who opted for donor sperm treatment and had a counselling session as part of their intake. They were recruited through three Dutch fertility centres, three network organisations and by snowball sampling. Results: Intended parents found it relevant to discuss the following seven topics in psychosocial counselling: the decision to opt for donor sperm treatment, choosing a sperm donor, coping with questions from family and friends, non-genetic parenthood, single motherhood, openness and disclosure, and future contact between the child and half-siblings. Conclusion: We recommend that counsellors take a more active role in bringing up the topics found in our study and that a clear distinction is made between counselling with the aim to screen intended parents and counselling with the aim to offer guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Schrijvers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F B van Rooij
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - G Overbeek
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - E de Reus
- VivaNeo MC Kinderwens , Leiderdorp, the Netherlands
| | - M Schoonenberg
- Fertility Center Nij Geertgen , Elsendorp, the Netherlands
| | - F van der Veen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M Visser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - H M W Bos
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M H Mochtar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam , Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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8
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Hendriks S, van Wely M, D'Hooghe TM, Meissner A, Mol F, Peeraer K, Repping S, Dancet EAF. The relative importance of genetic parenthood. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:103-110. [PMID: 31006544 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION How much do patients with severe infertility and their gynaecologists value genetic parenthood relative to other key treatment characteristics? DESIGN A discrete choice experiment included the following treatment characteristics: genetic parenthood, pregnancy rate, curing infertility, maternal health, child health and costs. The questionnaire was disseminated between 2015 and 2016 among Dutch and Belgian patients with severe infertility and their gynaecologists. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 173 patients and 111 gynaecologists. When choosing between treatments that varied in safety, effectiveness and costs, the treatment's ability to lead to genetic parenthood did not affect the treatment preference of patients with severe infertility (n = 173). Genetic parenthood affected the treatment preference of gynaecologists (n = 111) less than all other treatment characteristics. Patients indicated that they would switch to a treatment that did not enable genetic parenthood in return for a child health risk reduction of 3.6%, a cost reduction of €3500, an ovarian hyperstimulation risk reduction of 4.6%, a maternal cancer risk reduction of 2.7% or a pregnancy rate increase of 18%. Gynaecologists made similar trade-offs. CONCLUSIONS While awaiting replication of this study in larger populations, these findings challenge the presumed dominant importance of genetic parenthood. This raises questions about whether donor gametes could be presented as a worthy alternative earlier in treatment trajectories and whether investments in novel treatments enabling genetic parenthood, like in-vitro gametogenesis, are proportional to their future clinical effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Hendriks
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Bioethics, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, USA
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas M D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andreas Meissner
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Mol
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Peeraer
- Leuven University Fertility Clinic, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Eline A F Dancet
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
Surrogate motherhood is an assisted procreation practice by which a woman gestates an embryo with which she has no biological relationship on behalf of a contracting couple or individual, having to relinquish the child to them after its birth. This practice normally entails a financial remuneration for the pregnant woman; when this is not the case, it is called altruistic surrogacy. From a medical perspective, potential problems for the surrogate and for children born through this practice should be taken into account, especially the existence of possible disabilities in the child. The bioethical aspects are of most interest because the practice of surrogacy objectifies the expectant mother, by using her body for a purpose other than her own good, treating her as a commodity, as a thing. The same is true for the child because it makes him a disposable object, something that can be instrumentalized, similarly objectifying him.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justo Aznar
- Institute of Life Sciences, Catholic University of Valencia, Valencia,
Spain
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10
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Hendriks S, Peeraer K, Bos H, Repping S, Dancet EAF. The importance of genetic parenthood for infertile men and women. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2076-2087. [PMID: 28938731 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do men and women beginning to attend a fertility clinic prefer genetic over non-genetic parenthood? SUMMARY ANSWER Nearly, all infertile men and women prefer genetic parenthood. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Clinicians assume that all infertile couples prefer genetic parenthood over non-genetic parenthood and, therefore, consider treatments with donor gametes an option of last resort. Previous studies of the desire for parenthood identified 30 motivations for genetic parenthood, and 51 motivations for which having a genetically related child is not strictly necessary but might be deemed required. The exact strength of the preference of infertile men and women for genetic parenthood remains unclear, as does the importance of the various motivations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A questionnaire was developed based on a literature review. It was assessed by professionals and pilot tested among patients. The coded paper-pencil questionnaire was disseminated among both partners of 201 heterosexual infertile couples after their first consultation at one of two Belgian fertility clinics between October 2015 and May 2016. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The survey addressed: (i) the preference for genetic parenthood for themselves and for their partner, (ii) the importance of 30 motivations for genetic parenthood and (iii) the importance of 51 other motivations for parenthood and whether these motivations require being the genetic parent of their child to be fulfilled. To simplify presentation of the results, all 81 motivations were grouped into reliable categories of motivations using psychometric analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The survey was completed by 104 women and 91 men (response rate: 49%). Almost all respondents (98%) favored genetic over non-genetic parenthood for both their partner and themselves. One-third of the respondents stated they only wanted to parent their own genetically related child. Achieving genetic parenthood for their partner was considered significantly more important than achieving genetic parenthood for themselves. Within couples, men had a stronger preference for genetic parenthood (P = 0.004), but this was not significant after correction for educational level, which was significantly associated with the preference of both men and women. The 30 motivations for becoming a genetic parent clustered into 11 categories of which 'to experience a natural process' was deemed most important. The 51 motivations for becoming a parent for which having a genetically related child is not strictly necessary clustered into 14 categories of which 'to contribute to a child's well-being' and 'to experience the love of a child' were most important. Respondents deemed they would need to be the genetic parent of their child to fulfill nearly all their motivations for parenthood. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION We included couples that visited the fertility clinic for the first time, and the preference for genetic parenthood might change throughout a fertility treatment trajectory. Moreover, what prospective parents expect to be important for their future well-being might not really define parents' well-being. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The presumed preference of couples for genetic parenthood was confirmed. Resistance against using donor gametes is more likely among lower educated individuals. Researching whether non-genetic parents actually feel they cannot fulfill the 51 motivations for parenthood, could be a basis for developing patient information. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Funded by the Parkes Foundation, the University of Amsterdam and the Leuven University Hospital. No conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hendriks
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Peeraer
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Leuven University Hospital, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - H Bos
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 127, 1018 WS Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E A F Dancet
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Leuven University Fertility Clinic, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Research Foundation Flanders, Brussel, Belgium
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Ventura R, Rodríguez-Polo XR, Roca-Cuberes C. "Wealthy Gay Couples Buying Babies Produced in India by Poor Womb-Women: Audience Interpretations of Transnational Surrogacy in TV News. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2018; 66:609-634. [PMID: 29297767 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2017.1422947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Surrogacy is beginning to generate public debate, and the way the media approach it may have negative effects on social attitudes toward gay parenting. The news media play a key role in informing society, especially about topics such as surrogacy, of which most audiences have no direct experience. The aim of our research is to explore opinion formation of surrogacy and gay parenting by analyzing the audience interpretation of a TV news story in Spain. To do this we conducted four focus groups that were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis based on the discourse produced by the participants. The results show that the framing strategies used in the news story contribute to advocating an attitude of repudiation toward surrogacy, with an adverse sentiment also extending to homosexual couples who wish to become parents. This leads us to discuss the role of media in shaping public opinion and the resulting potential consequences in the case of surrogacy and gay parenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Ventura
- a Department of Communication , Universitat Pompeu Fabra , Barcelona , Spain
| | | | - Carles Roca-Cuberes
- a Department of Communication , Universitat Pompeu Fabra , Barcelona , Spain
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12
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Amor DJ, Lewis S, Kennedy J, Habgood E, McBain J, McLachlan RI, Rombauts LJ, Williams K, Halliday J. Health outcomes of school-aged children conceived using donor sperm. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:445-452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Wyverkens E, Provoost V, Ravelingien A, Pennings G, De Sutter P, Buysse A. The Meaning of the Sperm Donor for Heterosexual Couples: Confirming the Position of the Father. FAMILY PROCESS 2017; 56:203-216. [PMID: 25908536 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In the literature, relatively little attention has been paid to the meaning of donor involvement in the intimate couple dyad. The current study aimed to enrich our understanding of couples' meaning-making regarding the anonymous sperm donor and how they dealt with the donor involvement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine couples, who had at least one child conceived through sperm donation. Our thematic analysis showed that the donor conception was seen as a different path to create a normal family. Once the family was formed, most couples avoided talking about the donor because it was perceived as disrupting men's growing confidence in their position as father. Participants tried to confirm the position of the father to protect the family relationships. Uncertainties about how they were perceived as parents showed the continuing dominance of genetic ties within our social discourse. Participants also dealt with reminders of the donor in their daily life. Overall, they tried to manage the space taken up by the donor and to protect the position of the father. We relate our findings to literature on topic avoidance and shared obliviousness in families. For counseling practice, it could be useful to explore couples' meaning-making about the donor as this seemed to serve family functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Wyverkens
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veerle Provoost
- Department of Philosophy, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - An Ravelingien
- Department of Philosophy, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Buysse
- Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
Are the outcomes for children of gay, lesbian, or bisexual parents in general the same as those for heterosexual parents? That controversial question is discussed here in a detailed review of the social science literature in three parts: (1) stability of same-sex parental relationships, (2) child outcomes, and (3) child outcomes in same-sex adoption. Relationship instability appears to be higher among gay and lesbian parent couples and may be a key mediating factor influencing outcomes for children. With respect to part 2, while parental self-reports usually present few significant differences, social desirability or self-presentation bias may be a confounding factor. While some researchers have tended to conclude that there are no differences whatsoever in terms of child outcomes as a function of parental sexual orientation, such conclusions appear premature in the light of more recent data in which some different outcomes have been observed in a few studies. Studies conducted within the past 10 years that compared child outcomes for children of same-sex and heterosexual adoptive parents were reviewed. Numerous methodological limitations were identified that make it very difficult to make an accurate assessment of the effect of parental sexual orientation across adoptive families. Because of sampling limitations, we still know very little about family functioning among same-sex adoptive families with low or moderate incomes, those with several children, or those with older children, including adolescents or how family functioning may change over time. There remains a need for high-quality research on same-sex families, especially families with gay fathers and with lower income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter R. Schumm
- School of Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
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15
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Lingiardi V, Carone N, Morelli M, Baiocco R. ‘It's a bit too much fathering this seed’: the meaning-making of the sperm donor in Italian lesbian mother families. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:412-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Applegarth LD, Kaufman NL, Josephs-Sohan M, Christos PJ, Rosenwaks Z. Parental disclosure to offspring created with oocyte donation: intentions versus reality. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1809-15. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Wyverkens E, Van Parys H, Buysse A. Experiences of Family Relationships Among Donor-Conceived Families: A Meta-Ethnography. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2015; 25:1223-1240. [PMID: 25316692 DOI: 10.1177/1049732314554096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this qualitative evidence synthesis, we explore how family relationships are experienced by parents who used gamete donation to conceive. We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and ProQuest) for literature related to this topic and retrieved 25 studies. Through the analysis of the qualitative studies, a comprehensive synthesis and framework was constructed. Following the meta-ethnography approach of Noblit and Hare, four main themes were identified: (a) balancing the importance of genetic and social ties, (b) normalizing and legitimizing the family, (c) building strong family ties, and (d) minimizing the role of the donor. Underlying these four main themes, a sense of being "different" and "similar" at the same time was apparent. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for studying and counseling donor-conceived families.
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Borneskog C, Lampic C, Sydsjö G, Bladh M, Svanberg AS. Relationship satisfaction in lesbian and heterosexual couples before and after assisted reproduction: a longitudinal follow-up study. BMC Womens Health 2014; 14:154. [PMID: 25495004 PMCID: PMC4276124 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-014-0154-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More and more lesbian couples are planning parenthood through donor insemination and IVF and the number of planned lesbian families is growing in Sweden and other western countries. Research has shown that lesbian couples report as much overall satisfaction in their relationships as do heterosexual couples. However, although parenthood is highly desired, many parents are unaware of the demands of parenthood and the strain on their relationship that the arrival of the baby might bring. The aim of this study was to compare lesbian and heterosexual couples' perceptions of relationship satisfaction at a three-year follow up after assisted reproduction. METHODS The present study is a part of the Swedish study on gamete donation, a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The present study constitutes a three-year follow up assessment of lesbian and heterosexual couples after assisted reproduction. Participants requesting assisted reproduction at all fertility clinics performing gamete donation in Sweden, were recruited consecutively during 2005-2008. A total of 114 lesbian women (57 treated women and 57 partners) and 126 heterosexual women and men (63 women and 63 men) participated. Participants responded to the ENRICH inventory at two time points during 2005-2011; at the commencement of treatment (time point 1) and about three years after treatment termination (time point 3). To evaluate the bivariate relationships between the groups (heterosexual and lesbian) and socio-demographic factors Pearson's Chi- square test was used. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for testing of normality, Mann-Whitney U- test to examine differences in ENRICH between the groups and paired samples t-test to examine scores over time. RESULTS Lesbian couples reported higher relationship satisfaction than heterosexual couples, however the heterosexual couples satisfaction with relationship quality was not low. Both lesbian and heterosexual couples would be classified accordingly to ENRICH-typology as vitalized or harmonious couples. CONCLUSIONS At a follow-up after assisted reproduction with donated sperm, lesbian couples reported stable relationships and a high satisfaction with their relationships, even when treatment was unsuccessful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrin Borneskog
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, S-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Claudia Lampic
- Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Gunilla Sydsjö
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Linköping, County Council of Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Marie Bladh
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Linköping, County Council of Östergötland, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Agneta Skoog Svanberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, S-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Goldberg AE, Gartrell NK. LGB-parent families: the current state of the research and directions for the future. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 46:57-88. [PMID: 24851346 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800285-8.00003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Over the past several decades, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) parenting has grown more visible. Alongside this enhanced visibility, research on the experiences of LGB parents and their children has proliferated. The current chapter addresses this research, focusing on several main content areas: family building by LGB people, the transition to parenthood for LGB parents, and functioning and experiences of LGB parents and their children. In the context of discussing what we know about LGB-parent families, we highlight gaps in our knowledge and point to key areas that future research should aim to answer, including how race, ethnicity, social class, and geographic factors shape the experiences of LGB-parent families.
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Abstract
When a lesbian couple conceives through donor insemination, the partners transform their relations to each other. In this article, I explore how women in lesbian relations depict their parental roles in relation to the notion of equality. Drawing on critical discursive psychology, I conducted and analyzed interviews with 96 Swedish lesbian parents. Findings show how the interviewees draw on three different interpretative repertoires when they talk about their parental roles. In one repertoire, parents describe themselves as being spontaneously equal in relation to the child. In a second repertoire, equality is depicted as a potential result of struggling, where some parents claim to have achieved equality, whereas others describe being frustrated about their unequal situation. Finally, in a third repertoire, inequality is depicted as a given starting point, drawing on a biologistic rhetoric. Although most parents present equality as idealized, most also refer to biology as a reality that sets the benchmark. Findings in the present study could be useful for clinicians working with lesbian couples; rather than assuming that a lesbian couple is more or less equal, it is important to consider the specific couple and their descriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Malmquist
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Borneskog C, Lampic C, Sydsjö G, Bladh M, Skoog Svanberg A. How do lesbian couples compare with heterosexual in vitro fertilization and spontaneously pregnant couples when it comes to parenting stress? Acta Paediatr 2014; 103:537-45. [PMID: 24456297 DOI: 10.1111/apa.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To study parenting stress in lesbian parents and to compare that stress with heterosexual parents following in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or spontaneous pregnancies. METHODS This survey took place during 2005-2008 and was part of the Swedish multicentre study on gamete donation. It comprised 131 lesbian parents, 83 heterosexual IVF parents, who used their own gametes, and 118 spontaneous pregnancy parents. The participants responded to the questionnaire when the child was between 12 and 36-months-old and parenting stress was measured by the Swedish Parenting Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ). RESULTS Lesbian parents experienced less parenting stress than heterosexual IVF parents when it came to the General Parenting Stress measure (p = 0.001) and the subareas of Incompetence (p < 0.001), Social Isolation (p = 0.033) and Role Restriction (p = 0.004). They also experienced less parenting stress than heterosexual spontaneous pregnancy couples, according to the Social Isolation subarea (p = 0.003). Birth mothers experienced higher stress than co-mothers and fathers, according to the Role Restriction measure (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION These are reassuring findings, considering the known challenges that lesbian families face in establishing their parental roles and, in particular, the challenges related to the lack of recognition of the co-mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Borneskog
- Department of Women's and Children's Health Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - C Lampic
- Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society Karolinska Institutet Huddinge Sweden
| | - G Sydsjö
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Clinical and experimental Medicine Faculty of Health and Science Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Linköping Linköping University County Council of Östergötland Linköping Sweden
| | - M Bladh
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Clinical and experimental Medicine Faculty of Health and Science Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Linköping Linköping University County Council of Östergötland Linköping Sweden
| | - A Skoog Svanberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
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Malmquist A, Nelson KZ. Efforts to maintain a ‘just great’ story: Lesbian parents’ talk about encounters with professionals in fertility clinics and maternal and child healthcare services. FEMINISM & PSYCHOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/0959353513487532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
After lesbian couples have decided to become parents, their family-making journey entails a wide range of encounters with professionals in fertility clinics and/or in maternal and child healthcare services. The article presents the results of an analysis of 96 lesbian mothers’ interview talk about such encounters. In their stories and accounts, the interviewees draw on two separate and contradictory interpretative repertoires, the ‘just great’ repertoire and the ‘heteronormative issues’ repertoire. Throughout the interviews, the ‘just great’ repertoire strongly predominates, while the ‘heteronormative issues’ repertoire is rhetorically minimized. The recurrent accounts of health services as ‘just great’, and the mitigation of problems, are meaningful in relation to a broader discursive context. In a society where different-sex parents are the norm, the credibility of other kinds of parenthood is at stake. The ‘just great’ repertoire has a normalizing function for lesbian mothers, while the ‘heteronormative issues’ repertoire resists normative demands for adaptation.
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Crouch SR, Waters E, McNair R, Power J, Davis E. ACHESS--The Australian study of child health in same-sex families: background research, design and methodology. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:646. [PMID: 22888859 PMCID: PMC3487744 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are an increasing number of children in Australia growing up with same-sex attracted parents. Although children from same-sex parent families do in general perform well on many psychosocial measures recent research is beginning to consider some small but significant differences when these children are compared with children from other family backgrounds. In particular studies suggest that there is an association between the stigma that same-sex parent families experience and child wellbeing. Research to date lacks a holistic view with the complete physical, mental and social wellbeing of children not yet addressed. In addition, most studies have focused only on families with lesbian parents and have studied only small numbers of children. Methods/design The Australian Study of Child Health in Same-Sex Families (ACHESS) is a national study that aims to determine the complete physical, mental and social wellbeing of Australian children under the age 18 years with at least one parent who self identifies as being same-sex attracted. There will be a particular focus on the impact that stigma and discrimination has on these families. Parent and child surveys will be used to collect data and will be available both online and in paper form. Measures have been chosen whenever possible that have sound conceptual underpinnings, robust psychometric properties and Australian normative data, and include the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Discussion ACHESS aims to be the largest study of its kind and will for the first time produce a detailed quantitative analysis of Australian children with same-sex attracted parents. By inviting participants to take part in further research it will also establish a valuable cohort of children, and their families, to launch future waves of research that will help us better understand the health and wellbeing of children with same-sex attracted parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Robert Crouch
- The McCaughey Centre, Melbourne School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
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Bos HMW, Gartrell NK. Adolescents of the US National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study: the impact of having a known or an unknown donor on the stability of psychological adjustment. Hum Reprod 2010; 26:630-7. [PMID: 21169339 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- H M W Bos
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Dehlendorf C, Rinehart W. Communication in reproductive health: intimate topics and challenging conversations. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2010; 81:321-323. [PMID: 21112172 PMCID: PMC3412525 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Dehlendorf
- Corresponding author at: Department of Family and Community Medicine, UCSF, 995, Potrero Avenue Ward 83, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA. Tel.: +1 415 206 8712; fax: +1 415 206 8387 (C. Dehlendorf)
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