Research themes and projects at the Centre for Womens Health, Gender and Society

Project title

Supporting parents in telling adolescents about their donor-assisted conception: Research, resource development, public information

Major research theme

• Health services and technology

Other major themes

• Reproductive and sexual health

Investigators

• Ms Louise Johnson, Infertility Treatment Authority
• Dr Maggie Kirkman, CWHGS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne
• Prof Doreen Rosenthal, CWHGS, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne

Funding

• DHS Public Health Research Projects, 2005-2006, $100, 000

Summary

Most donor-conceived people are unaware that their parents used a sperm donor; there is an identified need to support parents and their donor-conceived adolescents in communicating about their conception. Because we can not consult adolescents who do not know about their donor conception, information from those who do know will be combined with discussions with groups of adolescents and key informants on how best to tell and the likely ramifications. In conjunction with the Infertility Treatment Authority, a resource will be developed for parents and the data will contribute to development of a resource for donor-conceived adolescents.

This research has two components: In part one, researchers will investigate the most appropriate ways for parents to tell their adolescent children about their donor conception. Outcomes from this will inform the development of a resource for parents and initiation of a resource for adolescents. In part 2, interviews with key stakeholders will provide information that will lay the foundations for suitable promotion of the resources and development of other educational materials, and monitor the use of the Donor Registers maintained by the Infertility Treatment Authority. The work will be conducted in close collaboration between the ITA and the Key Centre for Women’s Health in Society.