A longitudinal pre-pregnancy to post-delivery comparison of genetic and gestational surrogate and intended mothers: confidence and genealogy.
For women opting to use surrogacy to overcome subfertility, a choice can be made to have a genetically related or unrelated baby. Similarly, women opting to become surrogate mothers also have to choose to gestate and relinquish a genetically related or unrelated baby. This study explored the cognitions behind the initial choices made and determined the strength of those cognitions six months post-delivery of the surrogate baby. Surrogate and Intended mothers (N=81) undergoing Artificial Insemination (AI, genetic) or Embryo Transfer (ET, gestational) were studied separately (four groups) at the start of their surrogate arrangement and those with a positive outcome (n=34) were re-interviewed at six months post-relinquishment. There were significant differences between surrogate and intended mothers in their confidence about the arrangement. Beliefs about the importance of a genetic link were predictors of ET arrangements. Responses were consistent over a one and a half-year study period. The ethical and clinical implications of the results are discussed in relation to appropriate self-selection and confidence with the surrogate process and the importance of genetic offspring.
Van Den Akker
Olga B A
OB
Department of Psychology, Aston University, Birmingham, UK. o.vandenakker@aston.ac.uk
D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D013533:Gestational Carriers / Q000523:psychology*