Medical interpreting in assisted reproduction clinics in Spain: Female interpreters’ experiences and roles

López, Laura

doi:10.5007/2175-7968.2026.e107120

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Article • Cad. Trad. 46 • 2026 • https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7968.2026.e107120 linkcopy

Medical interpreting in assisted reproduction clinics in Spain: Female interpreters’ experiences and roles

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

This article examines the role of interpreters in private assisted reproduction clinics in Spain, a sector that attracts international patients due to the high quality of the healthcare system and favourable legislation. Based on questionnaires and interviews with more than twenty professionals in the field, the study explores both working conditions and the specific tasks carried out by interpreters in a highly specialised and emotionally sensitive environment. The findings reveal a predominantly female professional profile, with interpreters undertaking responsibilities that go beyond translation and interpreting. Furthermore, despite strong appreciation from patients and medical staff, interpreters report a lack of institutional recognition. The study highlights the need for greater professionalisation, regulation, and institutional acknowledgement of the interpreter’s role in this context, emphasising their crucial contribution to healthcare quality and intercultural communication.

Keywords
interpreter role; intercultural communication; linguistic mediation; medical interpreting; job satisfaction

Age	M = 31
<30	16.6% (n = 4)
30-35	46.4% (n = 12)
>35	22.7% (n = 5)
Gender
Man	0%
Woman	100% (n = 22)

Participant	Age	Gender	Experience
Interviewee 1 (I1)	37	Woman	8 years
Interviewee 2 (I2)	30	Woman	4 years
Interviewee 3 (I3)	26	Woman	8 years
Interviewee 4 (I4)	25	Woman	6 months
Interviewee 5 (I5)	32	Woman	8 months

Type of translation	n	%
Medical reports	18	81.8%
Administrative documentation	8	36.4%
Other (IC, internal clinic documentation)	9	40.9%

Academic background	n	%
BA in Translation and Interpreting	13	59.1%
BA in Philology and Other Linguistic Specialties	2	9.1%
Other Bachelor’s	8	36.4%
MA in Translation and Interpreting	3	13.6%
MA in other Linguistic Specialties	2	9.1%
Other MA	5	22.7%

Item	n	Min	Max	Mean	SD	1	2	3	4	5
Item 8	22	1	5	1.5	1.12	31.8%	18.2%	13.6%	27.3%	9.1%
Item 9	22	1	5	3.8	1.38	22.0%	13.6%	27.3%	18.2%	18.2%
Item 10	22	1	5	1.2	0.98	36.4%	27.3%	27.3%	4.5%	4.5%
Item 11	22	1	5	4.7	1.04	-	9.1%	18.2%	22.7%	50%
Item 12	22	1	5	2.3	1.05	4.5%	36.4%	27.3%	22.7%	9.1%
Item 13	22	1	5	4.7	1.31	4.5%	18.2%	18.2%	18.2%	40.9%
Item 14	22	1	5	3	1.43	18.2%	27.3%	9.1%	27.3%	18.2%
Item 15	22	1	5	4.7	1.02	-	4.5%	18.2%	27.3%	50%
Item 16	22	1	5	4.7	0.61	-	-	4.5%	40.9%	54.5%
Item 17	22	1	5	4.8	0.58	-	-	9.1%	45.5%	45.5%
Item 18	22	1	5	4.8	1.08	4.5%	9.1%	22.7%	31.8%	31.8%

Context	n	%
Consultation	17	77.3%
Theatre Room	10	45.5%
Care services	9	40.9%

Interpreter skills	n	%
Translation and Interpreting	3	13.6%
Mediation	4	18.2%
Both	17	77.3%
Other (Psychological support etc.)	16	72.7%

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Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina Programa de Pós-Graduação em Estudos da Tradução, Centro de Comunicação e Expressão, Bloco B, Sala 301, Telefone: +55 48 3721-6649 - Florianópolis - SC - Brazil
E-mail: ecadernos@gmail.com

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[1] Source: Author (2026)