Fertility preservation counseling at the time of cancer diagnosis reduces distress and anxiety

OBJECTIVE: The study examined the psychological health of surrogates approximately 10 years after the child’s birth and is the first study to assess the psychological health and experiences of surrogates’ partners and children. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were administered to surrogates, their partners and children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 26 surrogates, 8 surrogates’ partners and 28 children of surrogates. Families were interviewed about their experiences of surrogacy. All participants completed the Family Assessment Measure-III (FAM-III) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. In addition, surrogates and their partners completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Golombok Rust Inventory of Marital State (GRIMS) and children completed the General Health Questionnaire 30. RESULTS: Preliminary findings show that 98% of surrogates, partners and children scored within or above the normal range for self-esteem. Most surrogates (91%) and all partners scored within the normal range for depression and 77% of surrogates reported no psychological problems since the child’s birth. The GRIMS scores revealed that 86% of surrogates and partners scored average or above average for relationship quality. Mean scores on all scales of the FAM-III suggest better than average family functioning. Most children (96%) and partners (88%) reported positive views of surrogacy e.g. saw the benefits of surrogacy and felt proud of the surrogate. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that surrogates and their families do not experience long-term psychological health problems as a result of their involvement in surrogacy and view surrogacy and their expereinces of surrogacy in a positive way. The families in our study showed better than average family functioning suggesting that surrogates’ families have close relationships which are not negatively affected by the surrogacy process. Supported by: The project is funded by a grant awarded by the Economic and Social Research Council, UK.