”Hon visste inte ens att det sätt som hon blev till på var ovanligt”: Icke-genetiska mammors upplevelser av föräldraskap efter donationsbehandling

Sammanfattning: This study examined mothers who have undergone gamete donation treatment and lack a genetic connection to their adolescent children. The study examined the mothers experience of closeness and similarity with their child, as well as their feelings regarding the child's ability to seek information and contact the donor. Experiences regarding talking to the child and others, as well as their potential desire for support were explored. The study is based on data from the longitudinal study Swedish Study of Gamete Donations (SSGD), which has collected data in five rounds since 2005. Using a mixed-methods design the current study compared egg donation mothers in heterosexual couples (n=41) and non-carrying mothers in lesbian couples (n=59). Participants responded to surveys containing rating scales and free text responses. The material was analyzed using chi2-, Mann-Whitney U-, and t-tests, as well as qualitative content analysis. The majority in both groups reported high levels of closeness to their children and more often perceived similarity in personality than appearance. Participants primarily reported positive emotions related to their child’s ability to access information about and contact the donor. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Some qualitative differences emerged regarding feelings about discussing the donation. A few mothers from both groups expressed a need for support. The study contributes to a broader understanding of mothers who have undergone gamete donation treatment and how interventions for these mothers can be devised. Additionally, the study confirms that these groups generally have close relationships with their children.