Abstract
Genetic parents and gestational carriers in our gestational carrier program were evaluated by psychodiagnostic interview and by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Interview—2 (MMPI-2), a widely used objective psychological test, to identify psychopathology and describe personality characteristics. Overall, participants exhibited no overt psychopathology. Personality differences were found between gestational carriers and genetic mothers and genetic fathers and mothers. Clinical interviews revealed that gestational carriers tended to be the dominant partner in the relationship, were motivated by a wish to help an infertile couple, enjoyed being pregnant, showed narcissistic needs, and expressed a wish for secondary financial gain. The majority of gestational carriers stated that they had considered becoming a traditional surrogate but felt they could not surrender a child that was genetically theirs. These results indicate that there is not any predisposing psychopathology which attracts participants to the gestational carrier program.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Utian WH, Goldfarb JM, Kiwi R, Sheean LA, Auld H, Lisbona H: Preliminary experience with in vitro surrogate gestational pregnancy. Fertil Steril 1989;52:4
Sheean LA, Goldfarb JM, Kiwi R, Utian WH: In vitro fertilization (IVF)—Surrogacy: Application of IVF to women without functional uterei. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1989;6:3
English ME, Mechanick-Braverman A, Corson SL: Semantics and science: The distinction between gestational carrier and traditional surrogacy options. Wom Health Iss 1991;1:3
Macklin R: Commentary: Ethical issues in surrogate motherhood. Wom Health Iss 1991;1:3
Annas GJ: Determining the fate of gestational mothers. Wom Health Iss 1991;1:3
Grodin MA: Surrogate motherhood and the best interests of the child. Wom Health Iss 1991;1:3
Leeton J, King C, Harnan J: Sister-sister in vitro fertilization surrogate pregnancy with donor sperm: The case for surrogate gestational pregnancy. J Vitro Fert Embryo Transfer 1988;5:5
Rothenberg KH: Gestational surrogacy and health care provider: Put part of the “IVF genie” back into the bottle. Law Med Health Care 1990;18:343–352
Anna J v Mark C, 286 Cal Rptr 369 (Ct Ap, 4th Dist, 1991)
Johnson v Calvert, Cal Super Ct, Orange Co, Dept 11, No X633190 (Oct 22, 1990)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, Committee on Ethics: Ethical Issues in Surrogate Motherhood, No 88. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Nov 1990
Annas GJ: Using genes to define motherhood—the California solution. N Engl J Med 1992;326:417–420
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mechanick Braverman, A., Corson, S.L. Characteristics of participants in a gestational carrier program. J Assist Reprod Genet 9, 353–357 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01203959
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01203959