The Meaning of Kinship and Parenthood in Third Party Reproduction: A Qualitative Investigation of the Motivations behind Surrogacy for Gay Fathers and Surrogates

Background & Purpose

The increasing social and political inclusivity of sexual minorities, as well as advances in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), have led to increasing opportunities for single and partnered lesbian women and gay men to conceive biological children. Research examining the use of ARTs in same-sex partnerships has primarily focused on lesbian women. Accordingly, there has been a paucity of scholarly work exploring the practice of surrogacy (a woman carries and delivers a child for a third party) among gay men. This study investigated the use of gestational surrogacy among single and partnered gay men from the perspective of both surrogates and intended parents. This paper will explicitly report on the study’s findings regarding initial motivations for pursuing surrogacy among both gay fathers and their surrogates.

Methods

This study was supported by qualitative phenomenology, recruiting participants through non-probability purposive sampling through LGBT organizations and surrogacy agencies. Eligibility criteria were that participants identified as either: (1) a cisgender single or partnered gay man who had successfully used a gestational surrogate to have a biogenetic child in Canada; or (2) a gestational surrogate who had carried and delivered a baby for a single or partnered gay man in Canada. In-depth semi structured interviews (~90 minutes) were conducted either by phone or in-person. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analyses were conducted, and peer debriefing and member-checking supported validity. 

Results

Gay fathers and surrogates (n=22) described their motivations for using surrogacy. Gay fathers reported: (1) similar physical appearance; (2) a closer emotional connection/attachment; (3) creation of the ideal family; and (4) visible representation of gay fathers. Surrogates’ motivations included: (1) personal family values; (2) a positive experience with pregnancy and parenthood; (3) altruism and nurturance; (4) visibility of surrogacy in their family and social contexts. The unique motivations of both parties are central in drawing attention to the individualized expectations, needs and interests of intended parents and surrogates; consequently, how these motivations contribute to the intricate relationships that develop over the course of the arrangement is an important consideration. Queer theory will be employed to understand how these motivations are not only personal drivers based on an individual’s life history, family, culture and social background, but are also a result of institutional contexts that uphold heteronormative conceptions of gender, kinship and parenthood. The difference in motivations underscores the complexity of surrogacy, and may influence the relationships, attitudes and values of intended parents and surrogates.

Conclusion & Implications

Findings from this study may reshape social work research, integrating the procreative decisions of gay men and third-parties that have often been overlooked within family and parenting discourse. The interconnecting relationships between intended parents and surrogates broaden how parenthood and the structure of family have been previously conceptualized in social work practice and research. This presentation will promote a greater understanding of surrogate relationships, exploring ways in which to implement new approaches to research that recognize non-traditional family structures. Findings have implications for scholarly work across health care, bioethics, law and policy.