The health experience of single women who have children through artificial donor insemination.

Abstract

Little is known about the health care needs of single women who decide to have children through artificial insemination. An exploratory qualitative research study was conducted to investigate this health experience. A case study design was used, consisting of two single women who had children through artificial donor insemination. Results suggested that the decision to have donor insemination was made after a lengthy process of considering multiple factors. The subjects' relationships and roles were affected, as were future goals and aspirations. Personal perspectives of self-enhancement were evident and feelings of aloneness and vulnerability. Health care needs that can be met by the clinical specialist were identified with emphasis on the decision counseling, direct care, educative, and leadership aspects of this nursing role. Directions for future research were proposed.