Ethical considerations in contemporary reproductive technologies

Appraisal, Coping, and Emotional Health of Infertile Couples Undergoing Donor Artificial Insemination

“…This information should include a thorough health, genetic, and social history. The donor must be screened for sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS and for genetic diseases, such as sickle cell anemia (Francis & Nosek, 1988). Helping clients identify factors contributing to stress and relieving some of the stress through mental health counseling can positively affect client compliance and the success of AID therapy.…”

“…Couples may deny their problems, express anger toward health professionals, or express disappointment and grief. The nurse must provide support, understanding, and information to these couples (Francis & Nosek, 1988). Teaching husbands how to play a greater role in supporting their wives throughout the AID process, and helping couples find alternatives for parenthood if AID does not work, are useful interventions.…”

“…For example, one partner might resent or blame the other partner for the couple's infertility (Bos, van Dijk, & Lambers, 1982), both partners may be at different phases of the grieving process and be unable to support one another (D'Andrea, 1984), the expense of AID may pose a hardship, or a couple may experience a loss of privacy (Diamond, Christianson, Daniell, & Wentz, 1983) or a decline in sexuality (Bos et al, 1982;Diamond et al, 1983). Other stressors may include feeling unable to make plans (Frank, 1984), a sense of failure at each menstrual period (Blaser et al, 1988;Reading, Sledmere, & Cox, 1982), concerns about secrecy and confidentiality (Berger et al, 1986;Matot & Gustin, 1990), concern regarding legal rights to a child conceived by AID, or nonacceptance of the AID child by the nonbiologic father (Blaser et al, 1988;Dennerstein & Morse, 1988;Francis & Nosek, 1988;Matot & Gustin, 1990).…”

“…T n artificial insemination, an ovum is fertilized 1 with sperm introduced into the vagina through an artificial process, not as a result of sexual intercourse. This procedure has been used for the treatment of infertility since the 19th century (Francis & Nosek, 1988). When the semen used in artificial insemination is that of a man other than the husband, the process is known as artificial insemination with donor semen (AID).…”

“…Increasingly, AID has become the solution for infertility that is due to male factors, including azoospermia and oligospermia. Reasons for an increase in AID include a more accepting attitude toward AID by infertile couples, the decline in infants available for adoption, desire to avoid passing on genetic diseases, and the increasing number of men who have vasectomies while young and who later desire children (Blaser, Maloigne-Katz, & Gigon, 1988;Francis & Nosek, 1988). With the increased use of AID, more nurses have become involved as practitioners and counselors in assisting clients who have decided to use AID to achieve parenthood.…”