Experiences of Commissioning Mothers in Selection of Surrogate Mother

Background: The practice of surrogacy is one of the most controversial procedures in infertility treatment. Despite increasing of using this technology in Iran, there are few practical data about surrogacy.There isn't any study assessing experiences of commissioning mothers about surrogate mother selection. Aim: The purpose of this study was exploring of commissioning mothers' experiences in selection of surrogate mother. Method: This study has been done with qualitative approach in 2010-2012. The method of data collection was unstructured interview and sampling was purposeful. Generally 32 interviews were done with 15 commissioning mothers with gestational surrogacy and 5 infertility centers' personnel. Environment of research was Royan Research Center in Tehran and other governmental or nongovernmental infertility centers, hospitals and clinics that have done surrogacy in Iran. Data analysis has been done by use of conventional content analysis method. Also the research process reported point by point for verification, credibility, transferability and audit research. Approval of the ethics committee and obtaining of informed consent from participants was including ethical considerations of this study. Results: Finally three main themes were revealed that were indicative of partnerships' essence and dimensions of their experiences about choosing the surrogate mother. They were including 1."Challenge of surrogate mother selection" 2. "To benefit of helper/backer" 3. "Inefficient support"   Conclusion: Selection of surrogate mother is the most challenging stage of surrogate motherhood and also the supportive system isnt efficient. Presentation of context based findings could help to attendants for accurate planing.