Az ELTE Társadalomtudományi Kutatóközpont (MTA Kiváló Kutatóhely) 

Szociológiai Kutatóintézete 

tisztelettel meghívja 162. Jour Fixe eseményére

 

 Single Mother by Choice – reasons for having children alone, the importance of genetic ties – results of an empirical study in Hungary

 

Előadók: Bognár Adrienn (Pécsi Tudományegyetem) – Herke Boglárka (ELTE TK SZI) – Szalma Ivett (ELTE TK SZI)

Hozzászólók: Schadt Mária (Pécsi Tudományegyetem) és Udvari Orsolya (ELTE TK SZI és BCE)

Időpont: 2025. november 13. csütörtök 13:00

Helyszín: Az eseményt hibrid formában tartjuk meg.

Személyesen: Szociológiai Intézet 1097 Budapest Tóth Kálmán utca 4.;  B.1.37

Online: Zoom link: 

HAMAROSAN

 

Absztrakt 

Based on twenty-one interviews with women in Hungary—sixteen of whom conceived using a single (sperm) donor and five through double donation involving both egg and sperm donors—we examine why they decide to pursue motherhood alone, particularly through assisted reproductive technologies, how biological aspects such as genetic relatedness and the transmission of their own genes shape their decisions, and to what extent they seek contact with their child’s biological relatives, including half-siblings.

The findings show that biological ties were central to these women’s reproductive decisions. Most initially hoped to conceive within a relationship but, when this was no longer possible, opted for assisted reproduction using their own eggs. The use of donor eggs was considered only as a last resort, as maintaining a genetic link to the child was viewed as fundamental to their sense of motherhood. Some participants even claimed that carrying a donor embryo could create resemblance or emotional connection, revealing the symbolic importance of bodily and genetic continuity. Many mothers also emphasised their child’s right to know about biological relatives, especially half-siblings and the donor.

In the Hungarian context, this study highlights the growing significance of digital technologies—such as DNA testing and online communities—in challenging the legal framework of anonymity and enabling women to locate donors or their child’s half-siblings. These practices demonstrate that reproductive autonomy is increasingly exercised in transnational and digital spaces, revealing tensions between state regulation, medical authority, and individual agency.

By situating women’s personal experiences within the specific social and legal context of Hungary, the study contributes to broader debates on family, kinship, and reproductive autonomy, highlighting the need for legal and clinical practices that better reflect contemporary social realities.

 

Key words: single mothers by choice; assisted reproduction; genetic relatedness; donor anonymity; kinship; Hungary