Abstract
Study question
What is the degree of acceptance of new family models using Assisted Reproductive Techniques and what is the childbearing perception among different generations in Argentina
Summary answer
The youngest accept different family conformations through fertility treatments more than olders. They also consider, in greater proportion, that happiness is not linked to childbearing
What is known already
(1). Human reproduction changed dramatically in the last 40 years, with the development of Assisted Reproductive Treatments (ART) (2). In accordance with the new family models, gender diversity, self-acceptance and social openness, unacceptable until recently, are today a new reality. Since 2013, in Argentina, fertility treatments are regulated under National Law No. 26.862, allowing full access to ART regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. (3). However, there is still a legal vacuum around uterine surrogacy, which hinders treatment particularly in male homosexual couples.
Study design, size, duration
This is a cross-disciplinary descriptive study based on data obtained from an online self-administered survey. We surveyed a sample of 1800 people from the general population during June 2020.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
A structured and self-administered survey was carried out through OPINAIA (research consultant). Participants answered voluntarily an anonymous online questionnaire. We stratified our population in 4 groups according to different generations that represent the Argentinean population: Centennials (18-25 years), Millennials (26-35 years), Gen X (36-49 years), Baby Boomers (more than 50 years), respectively. We also stratified our sample by gender, socioeconomic level, and geographic location.
Main results and the role of chance
The data obtained in our survey showed that 92% of our population expressed an agreement to the use of ART for heterosexual couples, 76% for single women, 65% for single men, 62% for female couples and 59% as to male couples. However, when stratifying by generations, we observed that the youngest showed a clear tendency to accept the new family conformation models with respect to the oldest ones.
When comparing by generations, Centennials showed a strong agreement for single women (63%), single men (52%), female couples (60%) and male couples (58%). However, Baby Boomers express agreement on single women (33%), single men (24%), female partners (24%), male partners (22%). So, our data reveals that the prejudices concerning the different family conformations models are less among the youngest.
We also observe a tendency towards believing that happiness is not related to parenthood by the younger (Centennials 75%, Millennials 67%, X Generation 64%, Baby Boomers 60%).
This is a representative sample of the Argentinean populations, based upon official National census. Thus, it accurately represents the local distribution concerning age, gender, socioeconomic level, and geographic location.
Limitations, reasons for caution
Our investigation is a descriptive and observational study
Wider implications of the findings
This is the first study about new family models in Latin America. The study sample represents the national population and reflects clearly social trends. Therefore, it allows predicting future scenarios for policy makers to plan effective education strategies and to consider the distribution of public health funds for fertility treatments.
Trial registration number
not applicable
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