Adoption Actions and Attitudes of Couples Seeking In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the adoption actions and attitudes of 16 childless women, and the husbands of 14 of these women, who applied for or underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Ontario, Canada, between 1984 and 1987. Interview data reveal that IVF and adoption were sought concurrently by most of these couples and that wives were more in favor of adoption than were husbands. The author concludes that the continued importance of the biological tie between parent and child plus the current lack of “adoptable” babies will ensure that the demand for IVF remains high. However, unless the success rate of IVF increases dramatically, IVF couples will also continue to seek adoption.