title: Posthumous assisted reproduction: a survey of attitudes of couples seeking fertility treatment and the degree of agreement between intimate partners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study attitudes about posthumous assisted reproduction (PAR) in individuals presenting for assisted reproduction, to examine the degree of concordance of attitudes within couples, and to determine whether individuals can accurately predict the attitudes of their intimate partners.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  University-based fertility center.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred six couples presenting for an initial fertility evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Anonymous survey completed independently by each partner.
  
  
  METHODS
  1) individual attitudes about PAR, 2) the rate of concordance in attitudes within couples, and 3) the ability of individuals to predict their partner's attitudes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately 78% of individuals stated they would permit PAR. Couples expressed concordant attitudes about 75% of the time. Statistically, women and men were equivalent in correctly predicting their partner's attitudes (79% vs. 71%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although most individuals presenting for fertility treatment would agree to PAR, there was also a notable portion that stated that they would not consent with the process. Although most couples had concordant attitudes, discordance was also prevalent. Individuals often, but not always, were able to predict their partner's attitudes about PAR.
authors: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Center for Women's Reproductive Care, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA. gnakhuda@genesis-fertility.com
authors: Gary S
authors: GS
authors: Nakhuda
authors: Jeff G
authors: JG
authors: Wang
authors: Mark V
authors: MV
authors: Sauer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics / Q000502:physiology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D037022:Posthumous Conception / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires