A phenomenological study into infertility and the assisted reproductive technologies : U.S.A and Jamaica compared.

Abstract

A Phenomenological Study into Infertility and the Assisted Technologies: USA and Jamaica Compared Infertility affects approximately 10-15% of all couples. This study explores the livedexperience of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies in Jamaica and the United States based on a phenomenological qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews conducted with 15 couples experiencing infertility in Jamaica and 15 couples in the United States. As with many small scale studies that explore issues of an extremely sensitive nature, the participants were recruited from the community through a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. The biopsychosocial model and postmodernism constituted the conceptual frameworks that guided this study. The factors contributing to infertility; the biopsychosocial consequences of infertility and medical treatment of infertility are described. Fertility, infertility and the assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are examined from ethical, legal, religious, and feminist perspectives. Empirical research derived from in-depth personal narratives of participants are used to explore the ways infertility impacts life's goals, self-esteem, faith, marriage, social relationships, and religious and cultural experiences. The results of the study yielded a list of thirteen themes that show the similarities and differences between Jamaica and the United States in relation to the topic under investigation. The study concludes with recommendations for public policies to address infertility as a public health concern and for social work with individuals, couples and extended families affected by the experience of infertility.