Objective
Lesbian couples must resort to adoption or donated semen to achieve
parenthood, the latter usually involving assisted reproductive technology.
The aim of this study is to assess homosexual women’s knowledge about
assisted reproductive techniques, the importance of perceived genetic and
gestational relationships for their future mother-child bond, as well as
their reproductive plans.
Methods
This is an observational study based on an anonymous survey disseminated
online in several countries on different continents, addressed to homosexual
women.
Results
From the 549 participants, most reported being well informed about
reproductive options including assisted reproductive technology. The
majority want to be a mother as part of a couple, mainly through assisted
reproduction or step adoption of their partner’s child. The importance of a
genetic or gestational relationships with their future child varies greatly
between women. Among the sampled women, pregnancy was believed to have a
slightly greater impact on the future mother-child connection compared to
genetics.
Conclusions
Homosexual women are well informed about the assisted reproductive technology
treatments. The majority considers it important to become a mother as a
couple, mainly through assisted reproduction or step adoption of their
partner’s child. The importance given to gestation or genetic mother-child
relationships varies greatly between women, and it seems they believe
pregnancy may have a slightly greater impact on the future mother-child
connection compared to genetics.
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