Navigating complex biological connections through reciprocal IVF
Biogenetic Kinship in Families Formed via Reciprocal IVF: 'It Was [My Partner]'s Egg...But My Blood Flowed through Her' (Bower-Brown, 2024)
Bower-Brown, S., Shaw, K., McConnachie, A., Jadva, V., Ahuja, K., & Golombok, S. (2024). Biogenetic kinship in families formed via reciprocal IVF: 'It was [my partner]'s egg…but my blood flowed through her'. Sociology, 58(3), 735-752. https://doi.org/10.1177/00380385231212398
Geographic Region: United Kingdom
Research Question: How do genetic and gestational mothers in two-mother families understand and make meaning of biogenetic relationships in the context of reciprocal IVF?
Design: Qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted separately with genetic and gestational mothers. Analysis used reflexive thematic analysis.
Sample: 28 mothers (14 couples) who conceived via reciprocal IVF with children aged 0-3 years. All couples were cohabiting at the time of the interview. High socioeconomic status (90% in professional/managerial occupations). 90% identified as White British/White-Other. 13 families used identity-release donors, and 1 used a known donor. 6 families had more than one child.
Key Findings
Genetic mothers (who provided the egg) often felt their connection was more "official" or legally recognized. Gestational mothers (who carried the baby) described a deep, immediate physical bond. Both types of mothers found meaningful ways to feel connected to their child.
Some gestational mothers talked about sharing blood and physical substances with the baby during pregnancy. Some used newer scientific ideas about how pregnancy can influence genes (epigenetics) to explain their connection. Many described pregnancy and birth as creating an "insanely intimate" bond.
Genetic mothers felt their connection grew stronger over time through parenting. Many balanced acknowledging their genetic link while supporting their partner's connection.
Most mothers tried to minimize the donor's role in their family story. They were careful in choosing donors, often looking for specific characteristics. Many focused on how both mothers contributed to making their family, rather than the donor's role.
The importance of biological connections often became less significant as their children grew. Daily parenting and emotional bonds became more important than genetic links.
Some families who had more than one child made strategic choices about who would carry or provide eggs for siblings. Some families chose to use the same donor for siblings. Some families took turns, with each mother having a genetic child. Decisions were often made thinking about what would be best for their children.
Limitations: Sample had high socioeconomic status and was predominantly White British. Focus only on families with young children (0-3 years). All couples were cohabiting, excluding separated couples' experiences.
Applications: Shows how families navigate complex kinship relationships. Demonstrates need for comprehensive counseling to support families.
Funding Source: Economic and Social Research Council, Grant/Award Number: ES/S001611/1
Lead Author: Susie Bower-Brown is a Lecturer in Social Psychology at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, University College London, specializing in qualitative research on LGBTQ+ families and diverse family forms.
Regulatory Context
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is the UK's independent regulator overseeing fertility treatment and research using human embryos.
In 2005, the UK changed its laws regulating gamete donation from anonymous donation to identifiable donation.
As of October 2023, donor-conceived people conceived on or after April 1, 2005, can access information about their donor's identity and request information about the identity of any donor siblings who have also expressed interest in contact at age 18.
Those conceived before the law change in 2005 do not have the same legal right to identifying information about their donors, who were guaranteed anonymity at the time of donation.
The UK has a voluntary register called the Donor Conceived Register (DCR) which allows donors and donor conceived people from before 2005 to voluntarily register and potentially match with each other.