The desire of parenting: new scenarios in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinic and psychological reflections on heterologous fertilization

TitleThe desire of parenting: new scenarios in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinic and psychological reflections on heterologous fertilization
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsMenichetti S, Bertucci V
JournalInterdisciplinary Journal of Family Studies
Volume22
Issue1
Pagination17-33
Date Published11/2017
PublisherPadova University Press
Place PublishedPadova, IT
ISSN Number2282-2011
KeywordsAssisted Reproductive Technology (ART), Couple Relationship, Gamete Donation, Parent/Child Relationship, Parenthood
Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore, in line with Italian legislation on heterologous fertilization, a series of psychological factors that are involved in this technique and its impact on the couple relationship, on the fears connected to it and on the future relationship with the child. Furthermore, clinical reflections concerning the differences between man and woman in heterologous fertilization and the aspects concerning the choice to conceal or reveal the child's biological origin have been addressed. The conclusions presented here contribute to the discussion by launching ideas for reflection of future clinical research in relation to the development of the relationship between the child, the donor and the parents and the motivation behind offering the gametes.