Abstract

MACHIN, Rosana; WATARI, Fernanda Lye  and  COUTO, Marcia Thereza. Chosen female single parenthood in Brazil: reproductive strategies. Inter disciplina [online]. 2022, vol.10, n.28, pp.181-202.  Epub Dec 05, 2022. ISSN 2448-5705.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ceiich.24485705e.2022.28.83295.

A growing phenomenon in several countries, maternal single parenting by choice is gaining momentum due to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which enable women to become mothers using genetic material from third parties. We will investigate the reasons behind the choice to become a single mother through access to assisted reproductive technologies. This qualitative empirical study is supported by ten semi-structured interviews with women of childbearing age, residents of São Paulo state (SP), Brazil, who were seeking, undergoing or had undergone ART, with or without success. Participants were recruited using the snowball method and the number of interviews was limited via theoretical saturation. Reproductive strategies were influenced by social, political and economic aspects that determine individual reproductive decisions, such as treatment costs, legal regulations, choosing third party genetic material and the existing support network. Female autonomy and financial independence are factors that contribute to the choice to be a single mother. These women must navigate the prevailing social norms and values (which are culturally standardised) to overcome normative elements and modify social norms.

Keywords : single parenting by choice; assisted reproductive technologies; gamete donation; Brazil.

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