Abstract
This article explores how the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), arisen from in vitro fertilisation, have perpetuated an increase in non-traditional pregnancies (Franklin, 1997).This article discusses what this increase means for midwifery practices and what care midwives may need to consider for such pregnancies.The discussions in this article are based on triangulated findings from a three-phase research design.The research consisted of an online mixed-methods survey of 521 citizens of the UK, semi-structured interviews with experts and professionals who speak to the future of ARTs, and structured interviews with people who are affected by genetic conditions. Findings reveal that applications of ARTs are anticipated to continue to expand with the potential introduction of genome editing technologies to reproductive choices for the prevention of disease.Thus, this article concludes that because of this expansion, the rise of non-traditional pregnancies is likely to continue, and that midwives may benefit from considering the implications the rise could have for midwifery care.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 82-88 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | British Journal of Midwifery |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2 Feb 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Acknowledgements: This research was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council’s Doctoral Training Partnership at the University of Cambridge.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 MA Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Assisted reproduction
- Genetic disease
- Geriatric mothers
- High-risk pregnancies
- In vitro fertilisation
- Surrogacy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Maternity and Midwifery