A group-work approach in family building by donor insemination: empowering the marginalized

Family building with donor insemination (DI) is often perceived as stigmatizing and the secrecy surrounding the practice contributes to this perception. In recent years, patient organizations in several countries have started to challenge this stigma and marginalization. This paper reports on a professional group-work approach for couples in Germany using DI. Participants of four seminars with a total of 74 participants and a return rate of 89% were asked to report on their expectations of and experiences during the seminars. Participants were asked to comment on their views and perspectives regarding DI practice. The results indicate a need for more information on DI and for the opportunity to meet other couples in the same situation. Participants also argued for normalization and social acceptance for families built by DI. The group-work approach described in this paper contributes significantly towards fulfilling the needs of couples involved in DI.