Pathways to fatherhood: evaluating the priorities of self-identified gay and bisexual men pursuing family building options

ABSTRACT: Objective To assess the priorities and decisions of gay and bisexual men (GBM) pursuing fatherhood. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Internet-based survey. Patients GBM who were interested in pursuing or had previously pursued family building options. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures This study aimed to assess the attitudes of respondents regarding: 1) mode of achieving parenthood and the relative importance of a genetic link to offspring; 2) the relative importance of factors considered when selecting an oocyte donor (OD); and 3) the relative importance of factors associated with selecting a gestational carrier (GC). Access to care and financial considerations were also analyzed. Results The majority (68.2%) of the 110 respondents desired parenthood via OD and GC. This was consistent with 53.2% of respondents reporting that a genetic link to a child was ‘extremely important’ or ‘important.’ Most couples (86.6%) desired to use sperm from both partners. 40.5% of respondents reported that a twin gestation would be the most ideal pregnancy outcome. Medical history was considered the most important factor when selecting an OD (83.5%) while pregnancy history was considered the most important selection criterion for a GC (86.2%). 89.1% of respondents reported the fertility services they desired were available to them, although 33.0% reported they would have to travel to another state for care. Conclusion Understanding the circumstances of GBM pursuing fatherhood allows for individualized care. Since many respondents desired twin pregnancies, it is important to counsel patients regarding risks of multiple gestation and to determine the motivations for this preference.