Third-party reproduction in Chile: communicating origins and building kinship

Abstract

This article analyzes the results of three qualitative studies done by the authors in different family configurations in Chile. The studies explore: a) the attitudes and strategies that parents use when talking about genetic-gestational origins and b) the kinship positions assigned to these third parties. Qualitative interviews were conducted with mothers and fathers who built their families through adoption, assisted reproduction with donor (TRA-D) and surrogacy in single and couple relationships (gay, lesbian and heterosexual). The results show that most of the participants are open to communicating origins to their children, but the process generates concerns. Parents develop strategies to "kinning" and "de-kinning" the various linked figures (donors, surrogates and birth families). This highlights the tensions between the bio-genetic paradigms and pluri-parenthood, making the principle of exclusiveness in filiation more complex. Aims are to: 1. Study experiences of families that are outside the heteronormative model; 2. Analyze reproductive processes, considering adoption as third-party reproduction strategy; 3. Highlight knowledge produced in Latin-America and 4. Present an interdisciplinary approach (psychology, sociology and anthropology).