Would you like to take part in some cutting edge, exciting new research?
Emilie Garvey, an undergraduate Sociology student at Newcastle University, is interested in hearing from lesbian and gay individuals and couples to take part in an exciting project in a new and expanding area of research: Assisted Reproduction and the Alternative Family. The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of same-sex couples in their decision-making processes involved in starting a family of their own with the aid of assisted reproduction technologies. The study also welcomes participation from gay and lesbian individuals who might start a family in the future or who simply would like to offer an opinion or point of view for the research.
Why is the study being done?
Recent changes in legislation have widened the options available for same-sex couples who wish to start a family. Media portrayals of celebrity couples undergoing such processes have also recently increased public awareness of the decision making process, the social stigma that such couples might have to face and have offered a chance to ‘look inside’ the ‘Alternative Family’. This study, however, aims to research the decision making processes involved prior to, and throughout, the process. The researcher also hopes gain an in depth understanding of the obstacles and hurdles which affect same-sex couples in the UK who wish to have a family of their own.
Am I eligible to take part?
If you are a lesbian woman or gay man, single, in a relationship or in a civil partnership, who have experience of assisted reproduction in starting a family, or who would simply like to offer the researcher an opinion on the issues involved, you are eligible to take part in this study.
What does taking part involve?
Choosing to take part in this study would involve you answering a short questionnaire, which the researcher will send to you via email. You can choose to answer any or all of the questions. Alternatively, if you simply wish to offer the researcher some opinions or stories of experiences, this is also greatly appreciated. All participants’ identity will be kept anonymous, all names will be assigned pseudonyms in the discussion of data collected and all data will be kept securely and password protected at all times. As a participant you have the right to withdraw your participation from the study at any time.
What will happen to the finding of the research?
The findings of the research will be written up and submitted as part of an undergraduate dissertation to Newcastle University. They will be read by two examiners at Newcastle University and also be made available to participants of the study who would like to see the complete study are welcome to request a copy from the researcher.
Please contact us for further information or for the questionnaire to be sent to you, any assistance is much appreciated.