Infertility and the new reproductive technology: a role for social work.
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples in the United States during their childbearing years. The causes are sociological, medical and environmental. The new reproductive technology such as in-vitro fertilization and the alternatives to biological parenting such as surrogate motherhood raise legal and ethical issues as they raise the hopes of those couples previously unable to have a baby. As expectations have risen and treatment options become more complex, the social worker has become an essential member of the treatment team.
D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D007315:Insemination, Artificial; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D012380:Role; D012947:Social Work; D013533:Gestational Carriers