In-vitro metaphors: ART beneficiaries’ meaning-making about human embryos in the context of IVF in Portugal

Abstract

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Families formed through assisted reproductive technology: Causes, experiences, and consequences in an international context

“…During the treatment process, users of reproductive medicine are confronted with many issues that are new to them, including the in-vitro creation of human embryos and their handling during and after treatment. The paper by Delaunay et al (2021, this issue) contributes to our understanding of the meaning Portuguese IVF users assign to their embryos using a metaphorical approach. The study extends recent research by including in their analysis metaphors for embryos at all stages of treatment.…”

Adolescent Development and the Parent–Adolescent Relationship in Diverse Family Forms Created by Assisted Reproduction

“…Grotevant’s conceptualization [ 46 ] of emotional distance regulation in adoptive families may provide insight into the ways in which parents and their adolescent offspring born through ARTs might manage and negotiate closeness and distance with each other and with donor(s), a surrogate, and donor siblings. In fact, the relationships between (intended) parents, children, egg donors, sperm donors, surrogates, and donor siblings are multifaceted and often emotionally involved [ 47 , 48 ]. Donors may be motivated by a desire to help single individuals or couples have children, with the view that a family is, above all else, a relational system defined by care rather than genetics.…”