Psychological reactions of couples to artificial insemination with donor sperm

Abstract

The case histories of 62 couples successfully treated by AID were established through nondirective interviews, and were surprisingly similar in all cases. Several distinct stages were regularly observed: the awareness of wanting a child while the woman cannot become pregnant; the investigation of the couple's sterility with as a result, the announcement that the husband is sterile; a period in which the couple adapt to this situation; the disappearance of the feeling of guilt both of the husband, wounded in his "virility," and of the wife, ashamed of her desire for a child; acceptance of the idea of AID; request for AID; conflict with the medical profession; the disturbing seances of AID, usually in the presence of the husband; uneasiness at the beginning of pregnancy; euphoric continuation of pregnancy; uncomplicated delivery of a child whose father is very involved in its upbringing, and then request for a second child by AID.