Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences

Surrogacy as a Social Stigma for Surrogate Mothers in Isfahan, Iran: A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Marjan Goli 1
Shahnaz Kohan 2
Bahareh Kamranpour 3
Shadi Goli 1

1 Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran

2 Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Reproductive sciences and sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Midwifery, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran

10.34172/jqr.1477
Abstract
Background: Beyond medical aspects, fertility and infertility encompass psychological and social dimensions. Surrogacy, a special method of having children, serves as a treatment for infertility and carries significant social implications. This study aimed to explore the social aspects of surrogacy from the perspective of surrogate mothers.
Methods: This qualitative study involved 11 surrogate mothers, selected purposively, who were interviewed from February 2021 to January 2022 at the Fertility and Infertility Center in Isfahan, Iran. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach based on the naturalistic paradigm and conventional content analysis. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed utilizing the conventional content analysis method.
Results: Findings were classified into three main categories, including society’s negative attitude towards surrogacy, concealing surrogacy from society, and restricting social interactions and relationships.
Conclusion: Surrogate mothers often face adverse social consequences, such as blame and social isolation, driven by society’s disapproval of surrogacy. Therefore, they need comprehensive support to address and mitigate these challenges.

Keywords

Surrogate mothers
Society
Infertility
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Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
Volume 14
Pages 1-5

  • Receive Date 09 September 2024
  • Revise Date 21 December 2024
  • Accept Date 01 October 2025

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