Transition to motherhood following the use of assisted reproductive technologies: Experiences of women in Ghana

Abstract

As a result of the significance of childbearing in the Ghanaian culture, couples would go to all lengths to have biological children. One of the means that has made it possible for childless couples to have children is through the use of various assisted reproductive technologies. Using a qualitative research design, the paper explores the experiences of 40 women who have delivered following the use of assisted reproductive technology in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to explore women’s experiences and results were analysed thematically. The study revealed that childless women faced hostile treatment but the birth of a child ceased the hostility, giving couples social recognition. The study also revealed that the transition to motherhood is characterised by excitement, high self-esteem, recognition and acceptance into spouses’ families. It was a source of anxiety for other women due to society’s perception of children born following the use of assisted reproductive technologies. However, women perceived that having a second or third child could change society’s perception about the use of assisted reproductive technologies to have children. Based on these assumptions, there is a need for public education to change the societal perception about women who utilise assisted reproductive technologies to meet their parenthood desires as well as children who are born following the use of assisted reproductive technologies.