Differences in the attitudes of couples whose children were conceived through artificial insemination by donor in 1980 and in 1996.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the attitudes of couples whose children were conceived through artificial insemination by donor (AID) in 1980 and in 1996.

DESIGN

Replication study.

SETTING

Infertility clinic of the Utrecht university hospital.

PATIENT(S): Couples who conceived a child through AID in 1980 (n = 134) or in 1996 (n = 110).

INTERVENTION(S): Anonymous questionnaires.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Answers to questionnaires.

RESULT(S): Couples who conceive a child through AID still strongly prefer (84%) absolute anonymity of the donor. In both 1980 and 1996, most couples (approximately 80%) decided not to inform their child about the nature of his or her conception. In 1996, couples who considered informing their child hesitated significantly less and showed significantly more openness toward others. In addition, more couples wanted unidentifiable data about the donor and considered it more important to use the same donor for a subsequent child.

CONCLUSION(S): Between 1980 and 1996, the number of couples who conceived a child through AID and adhered to absolute anonymity of the donor and secrecy toward the child remained the same, whereas their openness toward others and desire for unidentifiable data about the donor increased.