Motherhood and attitudes towards motherhood in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out what proportion of women with MRKHS have decided to become mothers and have children or would like to have children and consider various options for motherhood. Additionally, the survey aimed at identifying factors that might influence the women's decisions and opinions regarding adoption, gestational surrogacy (GS) and uterus transplantation (UTx).

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 100 adult women with MRKHS who filled out questionnaires consisting of 56 questions. The survey was self-administered and anonymous.

Results: Most of the study participants were under 30, lived in large cities ( > 150 000 inhabitants) and declared to be heterosexuals in a steady relationship (p < 0.05). While 11 participants had children, 66 out of 89 childless women (74%) expressed a desire for motherhood, but as many as 80 surveyed women have felt pressured to have children. The number of participants for whom a biological relationship with offspring was significant and insignificant respectively equaled (p = 1.000). The majority of the study participants supported the process of legalizing GS in Poland (95 vs 4) yet would opt for commercial rather than altruistic GS (64 vs 31) (p < 0.05). Most respondents stated that UTx is consistent with their faith and conscience (91 vs 4) and found UTx ethical (88 vs 4) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: The majority of Polish women with MRKHS express the need to become a mother, but only one in ten has a child. The women's interest in biological motherhood is significant.