Discussion
In this study we describe the contrast between participants’
overwhelmingly negative experiences with the diagnosis of AUFI with the
positive transformative experience of UTx. Specifically, AUFI challenged
the female identity of participants while UTx enhanced it. Moreover, we
found that participants conceptualised UTx as an expansion of
reproductive freedom. They emphasised the intensely personal nature of
reproductive decisions and did not believe that the option of UTx
created undue pressure on them to choose UTx over alternative parenthood
options. Our findings inform the ethical discourse on the value of UTx,
the role of UTx in discussions of reproductive autonomy, and strategies
for expanding the field of UTx.