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Moore LJ. Acknowledging unintended consequences of researching informal sperm donation networks: an opinion. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1350640. [PMID: 38651167 PMCID: PMC11033301 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1350640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Jean Moore
- SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies, Purchase College, Purchase, NY, United States
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Rausch MA, Wikoff HD. Protective Relational Factors of Lesbian Couples Navigating the Fertility Process. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2023; 70:1725-1742. [PMID: 35179456 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2042660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Little research about lesbian couples' experiences with fertility treatment exists in the counseling literature. While there is an increase in lesbian couples exploring fertility options to expand their families, it is important to understand their experiences during this stressful process. This research seeks to understand these experiences using Moustakas' Imaginative Variation method with seven lesbian couples. Results include feelings of isolation, psychological and physical stress. Despite myriad difficulties associated with assisted reproductive technology, participants' experiences show the presence of strong relationship factors, divided into three categories: connectedness, mutuality, and resilience. The use of Relational Cultural Theory may be helpful to lesbian couples looking to expand their families through reproductive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Rausch
- Department of Advanced Studies and Innovation, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Haley D Wikoff
- Department of Counselor Education and College Student Personnel, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, USA
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Riggs DW, Pfeffer CA, Pearce R, Hines S, White FR. Men, trans/masculine, and non-binary people negotiating conception: Normative resistance and inventive pragmatism. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2021; 22:6-17. [PMID: 34476419 PMCID: PMC8040675 DOI: 10.1080/15532739.2020.1808554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing numbers of men, trans/masculine, and non-binary people are undertaking pregnancies, yet relatively little is known about the experiences of this diverse population in regard to conception. AIMS This study sought to examine men's, trans/masculine, and non-binary people's experiences of pregnancy, including conception. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 51 men, trans/masculine, and non-binary people who were gestational parents living in Australia, Canada, the European Union (including the United Kingdom), and the United States. Thematic analysis was undertaken, focusing on accounts of conception. Pfeffer's conceptual frameworks of normative resistance and inventive pragmatism were used as an analytic tool. RESULTS Themes developed focused on: 1) choosing a clinic donor, 2) kinship with donors, 3) conceiving via intercourse with a partner, 4) negotiating receipt of donor sperm, 5) challenges associated with known donors, 6) challenges associated with fertility clinics, and 7) experiences of conception. DISCUSSION The forms of normative resistance and inventive pragmatism identified suggest that men, trans/masculine, and non-binary people who are gestational parents seek to normalize their experiences of conception, while also acknowledging the specific challenges they face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien W. Riggs
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carla A. Pfeffer
- Department of Sociology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ruth Pearce
- Trans Learning Partnership, London, UK
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sally Hines
- Department of Sociological Studies, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Appelgren Engström H, Häggström-Nordin E, Borneskog C, Almqvist AL. Mothers in Same-Sex Relationships Describe the Process of Forming a Family as a Stressful Journey in a Heteronormative World: A Swedish Grounded Theory Study. Matern Child Health J 2019; 22:1444-1450. [PMID: 29740747 PMCID: PMC6153779 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to gain insight into how women in same-sex relationships experience the process of forming a family through the use of assisted reproduction technique (ART), from planning the pregnancy to parenthood, and their experience of parental support from healthcare professionals. Methods The participants were 20 women in a same-sex relationship who had conceived through ART at a Swedish clinic. Semi-structured interviews including open questions about pregnancy, parenthood and support from healthcare professionals were conducted. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed according to grounded theory. Results The core category, A stressful journey through a heteronormative world, emerged from the analysis, as did three subcategories: A journey fraught with difficulties and decisions; The nuclear family as the norm; and A need for psychological support. Same-sex parents expressed a need for more information about how to access ART in Sweden. Both the healthcare organization and treatment were perceived as heteronormative. In particular, these women lacked psychological support during the demanding process of utilizing a sperm donor to conceive. Conclusions for Practice Professionals in antenatal care should undergo mandatory cultural competency training to ensure cultural sensitivity and the provision of updated information, tailored brochures and early parental support for families with same-sex parents. All parents need guidance and support from competent, caring personnel throughout the entire process of forming a family.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catrin Borneskog
- Department of Medical and Health Science, Linköpings University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna-Lena Almqvist
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalens University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
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Nordqvist P. Un/familiar connections: on the relevance of a sociology of personal life for exploring egg and sperm donation. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2019; 41:601-615. [PMID: 30801732 PMCID: PMC6850007 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, reproductive medicine has become a widespread global phenomenon. Within the field, donor conception, and the use of donated eggs, sperm or embryos from a third party, plays a key role. Despite the importance of those individuals who donate, there has been scant research exploring their experiences. Seeking to contribute to the growing, albeit still small, body of research on donors, this paper advocates bringing the process of donating into dialogue with a sociology of personal life. It suggests that important new insights about the donor experience can be achieved by utilising such a theoretical perspective. The paper applies a broad framework of a sociology of personal life to demonstrate that the decision to donate reverberates within donors' everyday lives and relationships, and explores, primarily theoretically, how it is that acts of donation bring such issues into play. To this end, the paper examines in detail three ways in which donating interacts with dimensions that are integral to personal life: "living" genetic connectedness, relationality and the intimate body. Ultimately, the paper suggests that a sociology of personal life shows light on new, unexplored questions for this field that demand greater scholarly attention.
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Bracewell-Milnes T, Saso S, Abdalla H, Thum MY. A systematic review investigating psychosocial aspects of egg sharing in the United Kingdom and their potential effects on egg donation numbers. HUM FERTIL 2017; 21:163-173. [PMID: 28549399 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1329554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to provide an up-to-date knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of egg donation from the perspectives of the egg share donor and their recipient. It explores the motives, experiences and attitudes of egg sharers and their views towards donor anonymity and disclosure. Conclusions are made on how these findings can guide clinical practice and improve egg sharing numbers. A systematic search of peer-reviewed journals of four computerized databases was undertaken. Eleven studies were included in the review. Psychosocial aspects towards donation were positive from the egg share donor and recipient. Concerns raised were whether participating in the egg sharing scheme would impact on their success rates, as well as frustration expressed by a minority regarding the lack of knowledge of egg sharing outside of fertility clinics. The 2005 legislative changes in the UK have not caused the anticipated dramatic decrease in egg donation; however, oocyte donation still falls short of demand. Egg sharing provides a practical option for more patients to access IVF, whilst also providing more donor oocytes. Improved information provision will result in greater awareness of egg sharing, with the potential to recruit more donors and meet the needs of recipients currently on long waiting lists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Bracewell-Milnes
- a Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology , Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Srdjan Saso
- a Division of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Developmental Reproductive & Developmental Biology , Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Hossam Abdalla
- b Fertility Specialist , The Lister Hospital , London , UK
| | - Meen-Yau Thum
- b Fertility Specialist , The Lister Hospital , London , UK
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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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Perceived importance of childbearing and attitudes toward assisted reproductive technology among Chinese lesbians in Hong Kong: implications for psychological well-being. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1221-1229. [PMID: 27473352 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the perceived importance of childbearing and attitudes toward assisted reproductive technology (ART) among Chinese lesbians and the impact on their psychological well-being. DESIGN Survey-based study using a 39-item questionnaire. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) A total of 438 Chinese lesbians between the ages of 18 and 35 years. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Perceived importance of childbearing; attitudes toward ART; and levels of anxiety and depression. RESULT(S) Perceived importance of childbearing to Chinese lesbians was negatively associated with age (r = -0.23), relationship length (r = -0.18), and full-time employment (F = 4.29). Compared to heterosexual childless women, Chinese lesbians thought childbearing was significantly less important (3.30 vs. 6.00 on a 1-10 scale, t = 14.6). Most lesbian respondents (92%) supported legalizing same-sex couples' access to ART, although less than half (41%) wanted to use it themselves to have children. Among lesbians who thought childbearing was important to their parents or their partners, not wanting ART was associated with higher anxiety levels. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first quantitative study of childbearing attitudes of lesbians in Asia. The data suggest that Chinese lesbians in the study who perceived childbearing as important to their parents or to their partners but did not want to seek ART reported higher anxiety levels. This study helps raise health care professionals' awareness of Chinese lesbians' attitudes toward childbearing as well as calls for a better delivery system of fertility and mental health services to address the psychological burden of Chinese lesbians in relation to reproductive issues.
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Nordqvist P. "I've Redeemed Myself by Being a 1950s 'Housewife' ": Parent-Grandparent Relationships in the Context of Lesbian Childbirth. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES 2015; 36:480-500. [PMID: 26089581 PMCID: PMC4452625 DOI: 10.1177/0192513x14563798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This article investigates the relationship between grandparents and lesbian daughters in the context of childbirth, looking specifically at the role that pregnancy plays in shaping kinship affinities. Gender, sex, and heterosexuality are fundamental to Euro-American kinship discourse and practice; lesbian couples' parenthood through donor conception represents a significant departure from prevailing tropes of kinship. Thus, questions arise about how lesbians experience becoming and being parents, and about how their own parents may respond to becoming a genetic or nongenetic grandparent. This article draws on original data from interviews conducted in the United Kingdom with lesbians who became parents by donor conception, and grandparents with lesbian daughters in those situations where the older generation was not originally supportive of their daughters. It explores the negotiated meaning of pregnancy and how relationships with grandparents may be shaped by whether or not it is the daughter of the family who gave birth.
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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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Making sense of donors and donor siblings: A comparison of the perceptions of donor-conceived offspring in lesbian-parent and heterosexual-parent families
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The first two authors contributed equally to this chapter. CONTEMPORARY PERSPECTIVES IN FAMILY RESEARCH 2013. [DOI: 10.1108/s1530-3535(2013)0000007004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Nordqvist P. Origins and originators: lesbian couples negotiating parental identities and sperm donor conception. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2011; 14:297-311. [PMID: 22150516 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2011.639392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Donor conception challenges conventional kinship idioms: the involvement of a gamete donor culturally raises questions about parentage and also the meaning of genetic heritage. Although there is now a growing body of literature exploring how people resorting to donor conception negotiate kinship and connectedness, this predominantly focuses on heterosexual couples. Little is yet known about how lesbian couples navigate these processes. This paper builds on a qualitative interview study comprising 25 lesbian couples in England and Wales with experiences of pursuing donor conception in the context of their couple relationship to explore how these couples negotiate the contribution of the donor. It explores how couples negotiate meanings of parenthood, genetic origins and the bodily process of conception. The paper argues that lesbian couples negotiate parental identities, biogenetic relationships and also the meaning of conception by disassembling and reassembling the meaning of kinship, parenthood, creation, origin and originator. Findings suggest that lesbian couples weave together old and new understandings of relatedness in complex patterns and that this enables them to assert authority as parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Nordqvist
- Morgan Centre for the Study of Relationships and Personal Life/Sociology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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