THE ACCEPTABLE FACE OF PARENTHOOD: THE RELATIVE STATUS OF BIOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL INTERPRETATIONS OF OFFSPRING IN INFERTILITY TREATMENT

Abstract

The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate a small group of infertile women's perceptions of their need to create a family within current postmodern societal family practices. The relative weightings of biological relatedness and cultural conformity are interpreted within theoretical models of parenthood, and the need for cognitive consistency. Forty-two women attending infertility clinics for treatment to overcome childlessness were given a retrospective questionnaire to determine what the effects of the infertility diagnosis were. The importance of a genetic link was assessed in relation to choices made on treatment options to overcome infertility. Half the sample was devastated by their inability to have a child, and nearly two-thirds could not foresee a future without a family. Preparedness to disclose the mode of starting a family through adoption, IVF and surrogacy was prevalent, although fewer individuals would be willing to disclose egg and particularly sperm donation to the child, famil...