A Narrative inquiry: how surrogate mothers make meaning of the gestational surrogacy experience.
Date
2012-01-18
Authors
Fisher, Ann Muriel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Research about gestational surrogacy is limited from the surrogate’s perspective, yet third party reproduction is on the rise worldwide, and specifically in Canada. The experiences, relationships, and meanings of Canadian surrogate mothers are the focus of this research. Eight women’s narratives are studied to better understand the process of their gestational surrogacy experience. The purpose of this study was to learn more about surrogacy by paying attention to how surrogate mothers story/narrate their experiences. The good surrogate discourse, which influences meaning making, was uncovered when analyzing how surrogate mothers narrate their experience within gestational surrogacy positions, roles, and procedures. Further analysis focused on discourses of motherhood, gender, biomedical practice, fertility, ethics, and legislation which actively shape the stories that can be told, and limit the identities that are available. Similarly, these discourses influence relationships as surrogates monitor their need for connection with the surrogate child. Professionals in the field of child and youth care (CYC) including family practitioners, counsellors, and anyone working with children, youth, and families need to be mindful of their practice if third party reproduction is an issue as counselling support for grief and loss may be necessary.
Description
Keywords
Surrogacy, Surrogate Motherhood, Surrogacy Narratives, Gestational Surrogate, Gestational Surrogacy