Reasons for wanting a child: a network analytic study

This study investigates the reasons for parenthood among couples expecting a baby, couples presenting for treatment by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and couples presenting for donor insemination (DI). Rank scores of the reasons for parenthood were compared between the three groups, and only two differences were discerned. First, DI couples ranked 'make us a family' significantly higher than the expectant couples but not IVF couples. Second, DI couples also ranked give a child a 'good home' significantly higher than the expectant couples but not IVF couples. A modified form of network analysis using face-to-face interviews was also conducted. All three networks showed a core group of highly endorsed reasons that were centred on the need to 'give love', 'receive love' and 'become a family'. However, the DI network was the most complex, and it is suggested that this may be due to the greater perceived stigma of donor insemination. Differences and similarities between the three groups and the implications of the network analysis method are discussed.