City Research Online

Abstract

The current debates about a “fertility crisis” focuses on increasing rates of delayed parenthood and decisions not to have a child. Delayed childbearing may lead to an increase in people using assisted reproductive technologies, including the use of donor gametes. Empirical research consistently shows that families formed through donor conception function similarly to families formed through unassisted conception. However, some families experience stigma and a lack of understanding from others. Studies highlight both strengths and weaknesses of being an older parent and older parents who use assisted reproduction may differ from those who conceive without medical assistance. Inconsistent definitions of what constitutes “older” parental age further complicate the synthesis and comparison of existing research. Debates about a fertility crisis must also be situated within a broader landscape of expanding reproductive possibilities, including parenthood among solo parents and LGBTQ+ parents. While reproductive options are expanding for some, access remains uneven and is constrained for many by financial, cultural, and legal barriers.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© Elsevier, 2026. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Publisher Keywords:	Family Diversity, Delayed Childbearing, AgeDonor gametes, LGBTQ+parenting, Solo parents
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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