Family formation and women's roles

The demographics of study participants will be presented, including comparisons with ABS data. Family formation methods will be discussed including a comparison between current and prospective parents in different states. Amongst prospective parents, self insemination was the most common choice of conception method, regardless of the legislative framework in the state. Analysis of the reasons underlying decisions regarding the three main methods, self insemination, clinic based insemination and sexual intercourse will follow. These include issues of the best interests of the child, parental autonomy, health and safety, and legislative and financial restrictions. Time of planning and legal arrangements will be presented, both of which demonstrate thoughtful planning processes. Cohabiting lesbian partners were the most common family type represented. The respective roles of biological and nonbiological mothers emphasised concepts of shared responsibilities and flexible negotiated parenting roles.