An Exploration of Women's Psychosocial Support Needs in the Context of Assisted Reproduction

Abstract

This article explores the nature of psychosocial support needs and service provision in the context of assisted reproduction. Using qualitative data from a doctoral research project, the views of non-metropolitan women in Australia are presented along with a review of literature and an overview of participants' actual sources of, and needs in relation to, formal and informal support. It is argued that while social workers and other human service professionals have played a consistent role in providing psychosocial support to service users, the overarching approach to service provision remains biomedical in focus. This often adversely affects the overall quality of service provision. On this basis, social workers are urged to maintain their focus on human rights, respect, and multidimensional approaches to supporting women and their partners before, during, and after reproductive technology service use.

Keywords:

• assisted reproduction
• psychosocial support
• social work role