TY - THES ID - 138551510 TI - Reproductive decision-making in people with cystic fibrosis and their partners: A systematic review of psychosocial and ethical considerations AU - Vanhollebeke, Jelena AU - Van Steijvoort, Eva AU - KU Leuven. Faculteit Geneeskunde. Opleiding Master of Bioethics (Leuven) PY - 2023 PB - Leuven KU Leuven. Faculteit Geneeskunde DB - UniCat UR - https://www.unicat.be/uniCat?func=search&query=sysid:138551510 AB - Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects the respiratory health of those afflicted. The life expectancy of individuals with CF has improved considerably due to recent medical advances, as a result of which the majority now reaches reproductive age. The substantial daily life impact and possibility of early mortality however raises questions about family planning. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the psychosocial and ethical considerations of individuals with cystic fibrosis and their partners with regard to reproductive decision-making. Methods: The protocol of this systematic review was preregistered on PROSPERO. Four databases were searched and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were coded and analysed using the thematic synthesis approach. Results: Six psychosocial and ethical themes related to reproductive decision-making in people with CF and their partners were identified: 1) a ‘normal’ desire for children, 2) impact on a child, 3) good parenting, 4) passing on the disease, 5) impact on health status and personal life, and 6) partner (in) perspective. Conclusions: People with CF experience the same desire to have children as their healthy peers do. This desire is related to the wish to have a normal life, in which having children is often seen as a substantial part. People with CF and their partners however take several elements into consideration before starting a family. The possible impact of parental illness on the child, the combination of childcare with selfcare and daily treatment regimen compliance, and the increased parental responsibilities of the non-CF partner were three main concerns. Healthcare providers should initiate conversations on reproductive decision-making to support individuals with cystic fibrosis and their partners during the entire process. ER -