Intended Parents' Experiences of Surrogacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

Surrogacy is a process in which a woman agrees to carry a pregnancy for another individual or couple, known as the intended parent(s), to raise. The use of surrogacy is increasing across the globe, though accessing this treatment can be challenging for some intended parents. Surrogacy raises legal and ethical questions that are not easily answered. Much of the surrogacy literature is comprised of small retrospective studies, often focusing on surrogates’ motivations and experiences or the relationship between surrogates and intended parents. There is a growing body of research into intended parents’ experiences, particularly for same-sex fathers and those using transnational surrogacy. However to date, no review of qualitative literature focusing solely on intended parents' experiences exists. To address this gap six databases were searched with one study found through manual searching resulting in 1006 studies after removal of duplicates; after screening for eligibility and appraising study quality, 25 studies remained. Using a meta-aggregative approach, this meta-synthesis, explores the lived experiences of intended parents who have or were undergoing surrogacy. Specifically, this study focuses on the (i) reasons intended parents pursue surrogacy, (ii) barriers and facilitators intended parents encounter, (iii) how intended parents manage ambiguity and a loss of control during the surrogacy process and (iv) intended parents’ perceptions of support. Developing a deeper understanding of intended parents' experiences, may help shape policies for more ethical and equitable access to surrogacy and support during family formation. Implications of the findings are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.