Screening of gestational carriers in the United States
Self-reported medical and psychosocial screening and evaluation among gestational carriers was high, but <100% on all measures. There were no differences by agency use.
Volume 106, Issue 6, Pages 1496-1502
Authors:
Erika L. Fuchs, Ph.D., M.P.H., Abbey B. Berenson, M.D., Ph.D., M.M.S.
Abstract:
Objective
To assess medical and psychosocial screening and evaluation received by gestational carriers and compare those using agencies to those not using agencies.
Design
Cross-sectional questionnaire.
Setting
Online.
Patient(s)
A total of 204 women who completed a survey on their experiences as gestational carriers in the United States.
Intervention(s)
None.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Self-reported screening received before gestational carrier pregnancies.
Result(s)
Overall, 97.1% of gestational carriers had a complete medical evaluation and 94.6% had an evaluation or counseling by a mental health professional. Most participants indicated that they had been informed of at least some medical risks (92.6%) and psychological considerations (89.7%). Participants most often recalled being informed of the risks of multiple pregnancy (89.2%) and medical procedures and medications (87.2%), but least often recalled being informed about the risks of impact on their own employment (46.6%) and to their own children (61.3%). There were no differences in outcome measures between those using an agency and those who did not.
Conclusion(s)
Self-reported screening and evaluation was high, but still not 100% on all measures. Further education of providers regarding guidelines for the screening and evaluation of gestational carriers may be needed.
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