Secrecy among Israeli recipients of donor insemination

Patterns of discretion and disclosure of fertility-related information amon g Israeli recipients of donor insemination (DI) are explored, Based on ques tionnaires completed by recipients in four sperm banks, we studied differen ces between married women and men. We found that most Israeli recipients co nceal the treatment from their friends and relatives. Women and men, howeve r, differ in their disclosure patterns: women are somewhat more open about the general fertility problem, but conceal the male factor; men are more di screet. However, men who disclose the fertility problem also tell about the ir own impairment. DI appears to be the most secretive issue in this contex t. Recipients who confided in anyone about their problem restricted it most ly to family relatives. The results are interpreted in terms of Israeli pro natalism, traditional concepts of the natural family, as well as elements o f macho culture. Public education is highly recommended in order to open an d "normalize" DI in Israel.