Table I.

The practicalities of disclosure (The mother's interview).

	DI mothers (n = 10)		ED mothers (n = 13)
	n	(%)	n	(%)
Age of child when first told
0–2 years	4	40	6	46
2–4 years	6	60	6	46
4–6 years	0	0	1	8
Total	10	100	13	100
Person who told
Mother	6	60	12	92
Father	2	20	0	0
Both together	2	20	1	8
Total	10	100	13	100
Who initiates discussions
Mother	4	40	5	39
Child	1	10	0	0
Mother or child	1	10	2	15
Mother or father	1	10	2	15
Mother or sibling	1	10	0	0
Sibling	2	20	0	0
Anybody	0	0	1	8
Missing	0	0	3	23
Total	10	100	13	100
Who is involved in discussions
Mother and child	1	10	9	70
Mother, child and siblings	4	40	2	15
Anybody	4	40	0	0
Missing	1	10	2	15
Total	10	100	13	100
Freq. of discussions
1–3 months	3	30	1	8
3–6 months	2	20	2	15
6–12 months	2	20	6	47
Less than once a year	1	10	2	15
Missing	2	20	2	15
Total	10	100	13	100
Story used to explain GD
Brief, story-like description	9	90	7	54
Detailed, scientific explanation	1	10	4	31
Missing	0	0	2	15
Total	10	100	13	100
Child as special/a miracle
Yes	2	20	3	23
No	8	80	10	77
Total	10	100	13	100
Terminology to refer to gametes
Seeds	3	30	0	0
Eggs	0	0	5	38
Sperm and eggs	1	10	4	31
Creative terminology	3	30	1	8
No mention of gamete	3	30	1	8
Missing	0	0	2	15
Total	10	100	13	100
Description of the donor
Another man/another lady	7	70	7	54
Somebody else	0	0	1	8
Doctor	2	20	0	0
Another father	1	10	0	0
No mention of the donor	0	0	3	23
Missing	0	0	2	15
Total	10	100	13	100
Used books about GD/reproduction
Yes	5	50	4	31
No	5	50	9	69
Total	10	100	13	100