Families from assisted conception: Ethical and psychological issues

Abstract

This article gives the findings of an in-depth study of the outcome for parents and children after assisted conception, namely in vitro fertilization and donor insemination. The study is of 54 families bringing up 110 children, 74 of whom were the result of these two medical interventions. The findings presented in this article deal specifically with the psychological issues and ethical dilemmas experienced by the parents of these two groups. Specific areas regarding in vitro fertilization are use of the term ‘test-tube baby’; religious and community attitudes to the use of assisted reproductive technology; and the effects of these attitudes on the families. The major issue of multiple births and their social outcomes is dealt with in the following article. The specific areas for donor insemination families are secrecy and reticence about the whole procedure; infertility as a continuing taboo subject; donor anonymity; and the resulting effect of donor anonymity on parenting children who do not have access to their full health and genetic family history. Reference is made to the findings of other relevant research. Practice and legal implications from the findings are presented.