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Abstract
Cross-border reproductive care (CBRC) is becoming increasingly common. Little is known
about the motivations and information and support needs of people who cross borders
to access surrogacy. This study aimed to explore: how those considering or undertaking
extraterritorial surrogacy reach their decision; what other avenues they have considered
and tried to have children; their sources of information and support; and perceptions
of how others view their decision. Members of two Australian parenting support forums
completed an anonymous online survey. Of the 249 respondents, 51% were gay men, 43%
heterosexual women and 7% heterosexual men. Most heterosexual respondents had tried
to conceive spontaneously and with assisted reproductive technology before considering
surrogacy. Most respondents felt supported in their decision to try extraterritorial
surrogacy by close family and friends. Surrogacy-related information was mostly sourced
online and from other parents through surrogacy. Few sought information from a local
general practitioner or IVF clinic and those who did reported IVF clinic staff were
significantly (P < 0.001) more likely than other groups to communicate negative reactions
to their decision to seek surrogacy. The apparent negative attitudes to cross-border
surrogacy among health professionals warrants further research into health professionals'
knowledge, beliefs and attitudes relating to surrogacy.