Late parenthood Is a recent phenomenon which reflects both a shift In the reproductive pattern of the baby boom generation and the development of the proliferation of advanced medical technologies that allow women to bear children In their forties-fifties, and even sixties. The proposed research is designed to study the experienced older parenthood. Specifically focused on couples who have conceived with In vitro fertilization where the woman was at least 40 years of age at the time of conception. This 24-month qualitative study will interview 100 parents. Partnered and singIe, in two interview sessions. For couples, the first Interview will be a joint interview and the second Interview will be individual interviews. Single participants will also be interviewed twice. Qualitative data analysis wins then proceed in a seven-step progression.
This study will advance our understanding of how the meanings of age and family are influenced by the availability of novel reproductive strategies, provide new insights that inform the discussion of ethical and policy issues that address the use of reproductive technology, and provide information and guidance regarding the complexity of the older parenting experience to patients and medical and mental health professionals as well as assist in the development of assessment and intervention protocols for education and counseling.
| Mac Dougall, K; Beyene, Y; Nachtigall, R D (2013) Age shock: misperceptions of the impact of age on fertility before and after IVF in women who conceived after age 40. Hum Reprod 28:350-6 |
| Nachtigall, Robert D; MacDougall, Kirstin; Davis, Anne C et al. (2012) Expensive but worth it: older parents' attitudes and opinions about the costs and insurance coverage for inýývitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 97:82-7 |
| Mac Dougall, K; Beyene, Y; Nachtigall, R D (2012) 'Inconvenient biology:' advantages and disadvantages of first-time parenting after age 40 using in vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod 27:1058-65 |
