Motives for desiring children among individuals of different sexual–romantic orientations: a cross-sectional study

• Published in: Archives of gynecology and obstetrics 2024-02, Vol.309 (2), p.707-714
• Main Authors: Widmer, R., Knabben, L., Bitterlich, N., von Wolff, M., Stute, Petra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Children & youth; Cross-sectional studies; Endocrinology; Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine; Gynecology; Heterosexuality; Human Genetics; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Obstetrics/Perinatology/Midwifery; Questionnaires
• ISSN: 1432-0711; 0932-0067; 1432-0711
• DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07312-1

Purpose Little is known about the reasoning behind the desire to have children in non-heterosexual individuals. This study compares the motives of different sexual–romantic orientations and their preferred ways of fulfilling this desire. Methods This was a monocentric cross-sectional study. Subjects were recruited via social media, personal contacts and queer organisations in Switzerland. An anonymous questionnaire comprised general questions about the participant's background, a validated survey about the desire to have children and additional non-validated questions addressing the impact of sexual–romantic orientation on the desire to have children. The inclusion criteria were adults without children and a completed questionnaire. Results Of 837 participants, 642 were included in the study. Four groups of sexual–romantic orientations consisted of more than 35 participants: bisexual–biromantic ( n  = 38), heterosexual–heteroromantic ( n  = 230), homosexual–homoromantic ( n  = 159) and pansexual–panromantic ( n  = 55). Subgroups with a positive wish for a child rated all motives in the same order and with minimal numeric difference. The most important aspect seemed to be emotional involvement. Non-heterosexual–heteroromantic showed concerns about adverse reactions regarding their wish for a child. All orientations hoped for a biological child. Conclusion Our findings about bi-, hetero-, homo- and pansexual people and their motives for a desire to have children agree with the existing literature about hetero, homo and bisexual. The impact of the fear of adverse reaction and discrimination has been discussed before and is supported by our data. We suggest better support before and during the realization of the wish for a child as well as support for non-traditional aspiring parents.