Reproductive plans and knowledge of assisted reproductive techniques among lesbian women: an international survey study.

OBJECTIVE: Lesbian couples must resort to adoption or donated semen to achieve parenthood, the latter usually involving assisted reproductive technology. The aim of this study is to assess homosexual women's knowledge about assisted reproductive techniques, the importance of perceived genetic and gestational relationships for their future mother-child bond, as well as their reproductive plans. METHODS: This is an observational study based on an anonymous survey disseminated online in several countries on different continents, addressed to homosexual women. RESULTS: From the 549 participants, most reported being well informed about reproductive options including assisted reproductive technology. The majority want to be a mother as part of a couple, mainly through assisted reproduction or step adoption of their partner's child. The importance of a genetic or gestational relationships with their future child varies greatly between women. Among the sampled women, pregnancy was believed to have a slightly greater impact on the future mother-child connection compared to genetics. CONCLUSIONS: Homosexual women are well informed about the assisted reproductive technology treatments. The majority considers it important to become a mother as a couple, mainly through assisted reproduction or step adoption of their partner's child. The importance given to gestation or genetic mother-child relationships varies greatly between women, and it seems they believe pregnancy may have a slightly greater impact on the future mother-child connection compared to genetics.

University students' opinion on gamete donor identification regimes.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the opinion of university students about the identification or nonidentification of gamete donation and the probability of donation according to the different regimes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study based on an online anonymous survey including questions about sociodemographic data, reasons for considering donations, information about the donation process and legislation, and their opinions about the different regimes and how they would influence donations. RESULTS: In total, 1393 valid responses were obtained, with a mean age of 24.0 years (SD = 4.8), most of the respondents being female (68.5%), living in a relationship (56.7%), and without children (88.4%). The main reasons for considering donation would be altruism and monetary compensation. Overall, it was found that participants were poorly informed about the donation procedure and legislation. Students revealed preference for nonidentified donation, and they were less likely to donate in an open identity regime. CONCLUSION: Most university students consider themselves poorly informed about gamete donation, express a preference for nonidentified gamete donation, and would less likely donate on an open identity basis. Thus, an identified regime may be less attractive to potential donors and lead to a decrease in the availability of gamete donors.