Thematic analysis of a United Kingdom-wide survey to explore women’s perceptions and concerns about assisted reproductive technology

Over 300,000 children were born in the United Kingdom (UK) through assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART is associated with prematurity and congenital anomalies, while long-term health risks are currently considered low. Large-scale qualitative research exploring women’s perspectives on these issues remains limited. Therefore, this study investigates women’s concerns about health and educational outcomes following ART, and their views on information provision and national database studies.

Women who underwent ART, were considering ART or conceived naturally were invited to participate voluntarily. An anonymous online survey was distributed via social media channels of a UK-based fertility charity and accepted responses for 8 months. Free-text responses underwent thematic analysis, and descriptive statistics were produced for categorical responses.

Of the 562 participants, most were aged 25–40 (74.5%), White (93.2%) and held a degree or higher qualification (87.9%). The majority underwent ART through the private sector (42.3%) in the 2020s (69.1%) and had successful childbirth (52.4%). While up to 82.5% of respondents reported no health and educational concerns, others were concerned about reproductive, endocrine and hormone treatment-related cancer risks in themselves, in addition to potential reproductive, neurological and developmental issues in their offspring. Most participants (up to 91.9%) stated they received no information about ART-related health and educational outcomes in themselves and their child; those who did cited healthcare professionals or videos as sources. More than half (68.3%) supported using national databases to study children’s outcomes, and they expressed that such findings should be disseminated sensitively through healthcare professionals before treatment.

Although most women reported no concerns or information about long-term health and educational outcomes for themselves or their children, many expressed concerns. The lack of information and support for database studies can inform patient-centred communication that addresses women’s concerns. Future ART studies may consider incorporating patient and public involvement surveys to shape research priorities.