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Using a qualitative approach, this paper explores the accounts of 30 women who accessed assisted reproductive technology treatment in five fertility hospitals in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data on women's experiences of the procedure. Findings indicated that most of the women sought ART treatment to save their relationships from collapsing, with pressure and demands from friends and in-laws as key motivating factors. Women complained of emotional imbalance and the high cost of ART treatment. They felt compelled to borrow money from friends, family and banks and, sometimes sold assets to pay for treatment costs. Health consequences such as depression, changes in menstrual flow, weight loss, body pain, breast tenderness, bleeding and disruption to daily activities and sexual life were reported as problems encountered by the women. While study findings are supportive of the inclusion of infertility treatment in the national health insurance scheme, more adequate counselling and education for women undergoing ART treatment is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the significance of childbearing in the Ghanaian culture, couples would go to all lengths to have biological children. One of the means that has made it possible for childless couples to have children is through the use of various assisted reproductive technologies. Using a qualitative research design, the paper explores the experiences of 40 women who have delivered following the use of assisted reproductive technology in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to explore women's experiences and results were analysed thematically. The study revealed that childless women faced hostile treatment but the birth of a child ceased the hostility, giving couples social recognition. The study also revealed that the transition to motherhood is characterised by excitement, high self-esteem, recognition and acceptance into spouses' families. It was a source of anxiety for other women due to society's perception of children born following the use of assisted reproductive technologies. However, women perceived that having a second or third child could change society's perception about the use of assisted reproductive technologies to have children. Based on these assumptions, there is a need for public education to change the societal perception about women who utilise assisted reproductive technologies to meet their parenthood desires as well as children who are born following the use of assisted reproductive technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]