Participants’ views of attending parenthood preparation workshops for those contemplating donor conception parenthood

Abstract

Objective: To gather respondent feedback about whether workshops for heterosexual couples, lesbian couples and single women considering donor conception treatment (i) aided decision-making and (ii) improved intentions and confidence about openness with offspring. Background: Research indicates donor offspring consider that risk to their well-being is heightened if not made aware of their origins from infancy. However, some parents do not disclose this information, especially heterosexual couples. Preparation for Parenthood workshops were run by Donor Conception Network, a UK support group, using parent facilitators. Methods: A survey was sent simultaneously to those who attended 16 workshops over two years (2008–2010) (n = 246), with each partner in couples invited to respond separately. Results were considered descriptively as follows: all respondents; those in heterosexual and lesbian couples by intended donation type; single women. Open comments provided tentative understanding of quantitative results. Results: Response rate: 32.4% (n = 79); both partners responded in 86% couples. Workshops were rated as predominantly helpful by all groups for deciding whether to proceed. There were similar improvements in feeling comfortable with the idea of becoming donor conception parents, surety about openness with children and knowing when and how to start the process. Openness with social networks appeared more challenging to achieve. Levels of congruent couple responses increased post-workshop, starting from low levels on some aspects. Couples considering egg donation showed the widest variation in responses. Conclusions: Workshops appear helpful in aiding decision-making and in preparing for openness with any offspring across family types and whether considering sperm, egg or double donation.

Keywords:

• donor conception
• parenthood
• preparation
• groupwork
• psycho-education
• parenthood workshops

Acknowledgements

Thanks go to those that took part in this feedback study, to Nina Barnsley at DC Network for her invaluable administrative support and advice and to Jane Ellis for her advice at each stage.