Differences in the attitudes of couples whose children were conceived through artificial insemination by donor in 1980 and in 1996.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the attitudes of couples whose children were conceived through artificial insemination by donor (AID) in 1980 and in 1996.


METHODS
Replication study.


METHODS
Infertility clinic of the Utrecht university hospital.


METHODS
Couples who conceived a child through AID in 1980 (n = 134) or in 1996 (n = 110).


METHODS
Anonymous questionnaires.


METHODS
Answers to questionnaires.


RESULTS
Couples who conceive a child through AID still strongly prefer (84%) absolute anonymity of the donor. In both 1980 and 1996, most couples (approximately 80%) decided not to inform their child about the nature of his or her conception. In 1996, couples who considered informing their child hesitated significantly less and showed significantly more openness toward others. In addition, more couples wanted unidentifiable data about the donor and considered it more important to use the same donor for a subsequent child.


CONCLUSIONS
Between 1980 and 1996, the number of couples who conceived a child through AID and adhered to absolute anonymity of the donor and secrecy toward the child remained the same, whereas their openness toward others and desire for unidentifiable data about the donor increased.
van Berkel
D
D
Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands. d.vanberkel@fss.uu.nl
van der Veen
L
L
Kimmel
I
I
te Velde
E
E
D001290:Attitude; D003219:Confidentiality; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007316:Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires