Towards a Feminist Assessment of Reproductive Technology

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The field of medical technology assessment is rapidly developing and, within the area of reproductive technology, the issues are extremely complex. These sophisticated technologies involve the genetic manipulation of human germ cells and fertilized eggs, and may have irreversible effects on future gener ations. The example of in vitro fertilization IVF is used Although still considered ‘experimental’ by some countnes an opinion shared by the World Health Organization, in Denmark this is now considered standard treatment for infertile women. The procedure is expensive, there are unknown risks, and the consequences are far-reaching. A feminist oriented assessment of this as well as of all other reproductive technologies is needed because IVF deals directly with the female body; via the female body, IVF and other reproductive technologies change the social relations between the sexes; they change the concepts of maternity and paternity, and they are the key to the age of genetic engineering of the human body and human race.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftActa Sociologica
Vol/bind30
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)173-191
Antal sider19
ISSN0001-6993
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 1 jan. 1987

ID: 228773609