Childbearing importance: A qualitative study of women with infertility in China

The primary goal of this study was to examine and describe the importance of childbearing as perceived by infertile women in the Chinese familial and social context. We adopted a qualitative descriptive method and conducted semi-structured interviews with female patients diagnosed with infertility. Participants were recruited at a high-volume fertility clinic in Tianjin, China. Fifteen women with a diagnosis of infertility were interviewed for 60-90min. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Two themes supported the importance of childbearing for Chinese women with infertility: childbearing as natural law, and childbearing for relational harmony. Childbearing as natural law referred to intrinsic forces to seek a child, including (i) achieving motherhood and womanhood and (ii) experiencing a developmental transition with childbearing as a landmark. Relational harmony included three primary factors: (i) to maintain marital quality by preventing marital failure and rejuvenating an unsatisfactory marital relationship; (ii) to fulfill both authoritative and reciprocal filial piety; (iii) to build a sense of normalcy within family and social networks. In summary, infertility resulted in loss of motherhood, womanhood, and a smooth developmental transition. Moreover, it threatened relationship harmony in the marriage, family, and social life. These insights on the value of childbearing in the Chinese context can inform healthcare professionals in identify infertility-related demands and developing relevant psychosocial services for people with infertility.