Survey shows that Swedish healthcare professionals have a positive attitude towards surrogacy but the health of the child is a concern

Abstract

Aim In February 2016, Sweden upheld its ban on surrogacy following a Government enquiry. This survey investigated attitudes towards surrogacy among primary health professionals working with children and their experiences of working with families following surrogacy abroad. Methods From April to November 2016, nurses, physicians and psychologist working in primary child health care in four counties in Sweden were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional online survey about surrogacy. Results The mean age of the 208 participants was 49.2 years (range 27–68) and nearly 91% were women. Approximately 60% supported legalised surrogacy. Wanting a conscience clause to be introduced in Sweden was associated with not supporting surrogacy for any groups, while personal experiences of infertility and clinical experiences with families following surrogacy were associated with positive attitudes towards surrogacy for heterosexual couples. The majority (64%) disagreed that surrogate children were as healthy as other children, and many believed that they risked worse mental health (21%) and social stigmatisation (21%). Conclusion We found that 60% supported legalised surrogacy, but many expressed concerns about the children's health and greater knowledge about the medical and psychosocial consequences of surrogacy is needed.

Attitudes toward surrogacy among doctors working in reproductive medicine and obstetric care in Sweden

“…Our study shows that absolute infertility due to absence of uterus was the most widely accepted indication for surrogacy, followed by medical reasons. Surrogacy for male same-sex couples was also regarded as acceptable, which is in line with findings from an earlier Swedish study (8) but contrary to findings in the Romanian study in which the physicians indicated that medically assisted reproduction, where surrogacy was one of the methods, should only be available for heterosexual couples (9). However, in contrast to healthcare professionals working in primary health child care (8), the physicians in the present study were less prone to accept surrogacy for single women and men.…”

“…The results show that just over 60% were positive or neutral about altruistic surrogacy being introduced in Sweden. This is comparable with results from a recent study among healthcare professionals working in primary child healthcare in Sweden in which 58% were positive about surrogacy . These percentages are lower than those reported from a Romanian study in which 78% of the physicians showed high acceptance and a UK study where 72% of the medical students regarded surrogacy as an acceptable form of assisted reproduction .…”

Cross‐border surrogacy: Experiences of heterosexual and gay parents in Sweden

“…(Continued)is reassuring, especially in view of recent findings from our group indicating that Swedish healthcare professionals have concerns about the health of children born by surrogacy 19. The present findings add new knowledge about how open heterosexual and gay parents are about having used cross-border surrogacy and their experiences of reactions from personnel in various authorities, in health care, preschool, and in connection with their child's recreational activities.…”

Surrogacy: Challenges and Ambiguities

“…Even though these beliefs do not represent the majority of the current scientific knowledge on surrogacy, they highlight the need for educational interventions and development of proper guidelines for health professionals. One possible explanation for these findings is that fact that in Sweden all types of surrogacy are prohibited, reinforcing pre-conceptions regarding the harms of surrogacy and increasing stigmatization (Armuand G et al, 2018). Nevertheless, Article 11 (2) of Law n. º 32/2066, states that doctors have no moral nor legal obligation to be part of nonemergent medical care connected to domestic or cross-border surrogacy arrangements (Decreto de Lei n.º 32/06, 26 Julho; Shenfield et al, 2005) However, those who decide to participate should grant the same level of medical care as they would to any other patient, regardless of their personal beliefs or the complexity of surrogacy (Shenfield et al, 2005).…”