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Secrecy Among Israeli Recipients of Donor Insemination

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 May 2016

Daphna Birenbaum-Carmeli ,
Yoram S. Carmeli  and
Haim Yavetz
Daphna Birenbaum-Carmeli
Affiliation:
University of Haifa, Israel
Yoram S. Carmeli
Affiliation:
University of Haifa, Israel
Haim Yavetz
Affiliation:
Tel Aviv Medical Center, Israel
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Abstract

Patterns of discretion and disclosure of fertility-related information among Israeli recipients of donor insemination (DI) are explored. Based on questionnaires completed by recipients in four sperm banks, we studied differences between married women and men. We found that most Israeli recipients conceal the treatment from their friends and relatives. Women and men, however, differ in their disclosure patterns: women are somewhat more open about the general fertility problem, but conceal the male factor; men are more discreet. However, men who disclose the fertility problem also tell about their own impairment. DI appears to be the most secretive issue in this context. Recipients who confided in anyone about their problem restricted it mostly to family relatives. The results are interpreted in terms of Israeli pronatalism, traditional concepts of the natural family, as well as elements of macho culture. Public education is highly recommended in order to open and “normalize” DI in Israel.

Type
Donor Insemination
Information
Politics and the Life Sciences , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , March 2000 , pp. 69 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © Association for Politics and the Life Sciences 

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