Review:Psychological aspects of artificial insemination by donor

Abstract

This paper reviews present knowledge and future research needs regarding the psychological factors involved in artificial insemination by donor (AID). Four central areas are reviewed: (i) the psychological characteristics of couples selected for AID; (ii) the impact of AID on the couples concerned; (iii) the question of secrecy and the psychological consequences for the child brought up in ignorance of his/her conception; and (iv) counselling needs of AID couples. Although male feelings of guilt about inability to father a child have been emphasized in the literature, little attention has been paid to the possibly stressful impact of AID on the woman concerned. The need for psychological preparation and appropriate counselling for AID clients is acknowledged by a number of authors. There is, however, little research in this area and no standard procedures for providing such counselling or psychological support. The secrecy surrounding AID makes it especially difficult to ascertain the counselling needs of involved couples or to evaluate the effect of AID on the relationship between them and their child.