Keywords
Reproductive Tourism, Italy, Qualitative, Women’s Health, Policy, Infertility
Select the category the research project fits.
Social Sciences/Humanities
Is this submission part of ICaP/PW (Introductory Composition at Purdue/Professional Writing)?
No
Abstract
Background: Law 40/2004 transformed Italy from a place with a largely unregulated commercial medically assisted reproduction (MAR) market to a country with the most conservative approach to MAR. As a result, the number of Italians seeking MAR outside of Italy skyrocketed, doubling in one year as citizens sought to escape the strict legislation. Even though restrictions were lifted on procedures like gamete donation, surrogacy is still banned, and single women and homosexual couples still cannot access MAR in Italy. Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand Italian women’s perceptions of, and experiences with, reproductive tourism, including benefits and barriers, and emotional, mental and physical costs. Methods: Using qualitative methodology techniques, in-depth interviews with 30 (May-June 2018) women aged 18-50 living in or around Florence, Italy and using the Italian healthcare system. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. HyperRESEARCH data assisted in data management, and open and axial coding were conducted to break down data using a grounded theory approach. Results: Limitations in Italian reproductive care are a result of restrictive legislature and religious presence, causing Italians to travel abroad for treatments. The current perceptions and attitudes Italian women have towards reproductive tourism show that women do not commonly discuss this among others and are not completely knowledgeable of the circumstances. The financial cost of traveling for reproductive care complicates women’s access, and traveling abroad for such care can increase the emotional impact of being infertile. Conclusions: Reproductive tourism in Italy is misunderstood and difficult for Italians to pursue. Policy change is necessary to further adapt laws and provide options for individuals, especially same-sex couples and single women, seeking reproductive treatments. Italian women often experience emotional and financial burdens when experiencing infertility and while reproductive tourism is not a perfect solution, it is sometimes the only option. Thus, ways to facilitate access (i.e., referrals, financial assistance, etc.) to MAR could mitigate the effects of the strict legislation.
Recommended Citation
Basile, Kelsie; Diaconu, Adria; Goodwyn, Camille; Kincade, Sarah; and McCracken, Kaylee, "“Going somewhere makes sense, but somehow it seems more shameful:” Italian women’s attitudes and perceptions of reproductive tourism" (2019). Purdue Undergraduate Research Conference. 53.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/purc/2019/Posters/53
“Going somewhere makes sense, but somehow it seems more shameful:” Italian women’s attitudes and perceptions of reproductive tourism
Background: Law 40/2004 transformed Italy from a place with a largely unregulated commercial medically assisted reproduction (MAR) market to a country with the most conservative approach to MAR. As a result, the number of Italians seeking MAR outside of Italy skyrocketed, doubling in one year as citizens sought to escape the strict legislation. Even though restrictions were lifted on procedures like gamete donation, surrogacy is still banned, and single women and homosexual couples still cannot access MAR in Italy. Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand Italian women’s perceptions of, and experiences with, reproductive tourism, including benefits and barriers, and emotional, mental and physical costs. Methods: Using qualitative methodology techniques, in-depth interviews with 30 (May-June 2018) women aged 18-50 living in or around Florence, Italy and using the Italian healthcare system. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. HyperRESEARCH data assisted in data management, and open and axial coding were conducted to break down data using a grounded theory approach. Results: Limitations in Italian reproductive care are a result of restrictive legislature and religious presence, causing Italians to travel abroad for treatments. The current perceptions and attitudes Italian women have towards reproductive tourism show that women do not commonly discuss this among others and are not completely knowledgeable of the circumstances. The financial cost of traveling for reproductive care complicates women’s access, and traveling abroad for such care can increase the emotional impact of being infertile. Conclusions: Reproductive tourism in Italy is misunderstood and difficult for Italians to pursue. Policy change is necessary to further adapt laws and provide options for individuals, especially same-sex couples and single women, seeking reproductive treatments. Italian women often experience emotional and financial burdens when experiencing infertility and while reproductive tourism is not a perfect solution, it is sometimes the only option. Thus, ways to facilitate access (i.e., referrals, financial assistance, etc.) to MAR could mitigate the effects of the strict legislation.