The impact of fertility problems on the therapeutic relationship.

Zwart, EM (ELMA)

Submission type

Oral and Poster

Scheduled

Poster, Beurs van Berlage , Grote Zaal

Kernwoorden

Ethical aspects. Unlimited expectations.

Onderzoeksgebied

Adults

Doelgroep

mensen met veel ervaring met het onderwerp

Workshop

Case: ******************* Woman (41) is referred by a hospital to an Amsterdam psychotherapy practice. She has fertility problems and has been in treatment for over 4 years. Her third IVF pregnancy resulted in a third miscarriage. “Medically unexplained infertility.” Diagnostic: Intense anxiety and panic complaints and self mutilation. A long medical trajectory and partnerrelationship under pressure, the client looks for further fertility treatment elsewhere. Possibilities of spermdonor insemination, egg and embryo donation are examined at home and abroad. This leads to a separation from her partner. Client is now single and is 43 years old. She decides to opt for a single embryo donation in Spain. Her father increases his mortgage to pay for this costly treatment. No pregnancy. She continues looking for commercial surrogacy abroad, both in the Ukraine and in the US. ******************* * Dilemmas: -Medical aspects: safety and well-being of mother and child. -Ethical aspects: anonymous donorship and surrogacy -Legal aspects: regulation and illegality, the rights of the child -Commercial aspects: reproduction market, "fertility tourism". ************************* Question: What is the impact of the fertility problems and choices on the therapeutic relationship? How do you position yourself as a therapist in this era of unlimited possibilities?