Psychological issues related to alternative insemination.

Abstract

This article explores reasons for psychologists to be interested in the effects of alternative insemination (AI) on individual women and couples. Of particular concern is the psychological effect of AI on the women who choose this means of conception. Research and public policy issues and potential counseling issues with which psychologists need to be familiar are reviewed. It is argued that psychologists, particularly those who are interested in the mental health of women, should not relegate these research and policy issues to the medical realm.Infertility affects an estimated 12% to 15% of couples of reproductive age in the United States, with anywhere from 10% to 40% of the cases resulting from male infertility (Curie-Cohen,

The national lesbian family study: 1. Interviews with prospective mothers.

“…Very little has been written about the psychological effects of DI on prospective lesbian mothers. Although any woman seeking DI faces scrutiny about her health, financial, and relationship status, lesbians carry the additional burden of potentially encountering homophobic gatekeepers at sperm banks or family planning clinics (Sparks & Hamilton, 1991). Also, decisions about DI (such as concealing or disclosing the donor's identity) are filtered through their own experiences of being closeted or out as lesbians.…”

Biases in Women's Health Research

“…The risk by semen was partially addressed by recommendations for safe sex and the use of condoms. But there was one oversight (or an isolated math deficit): There was no public health recognition of women's unique risk due to exposure Downloaded by [University of California Santa Barbara] at 23:13 16 June 2016 to fresh sperm via so-called "artificial insemination" (see Sparks & Hamilton, 1991;Hamilton, cited in Rodin & Ickovics, 1990). ' Sperm banks remained unprotected at the same time that blood banks were protected.…”

Ethical issues in the new reproductive technologies: Perspectives from feminism and the psychology profession.

“…But psychologists may also have a professional interest. Psychologists might be involved in developing educational, counseling, and support programs that could be available to all parties before, during, and after the arrangements are made and the baby is born and takes up residence in the parental home (Solomon, 1987; Sparks & Hamilton, 1991). Long-term research is needed on the health and welfare of these children, the social parents, the birth mother, her other children, and her extended family.…”