Reconfiguring Reproduction

This book explores the impact of assisted reproductive technology on women’s experiences globally, analyzing ethical, political, and gendered dimensions through essays by scholars and activists in various countries.

Reconfiguring Reproduction explores the transformative impact of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on our understanding of pregnancy, birth, and infertility, particularly through a feminist health perspective. The book delves into various ART methods, including in-vitro fertilization, sperm injection, surrogacy, and cryopreservation, highlighting how these technologies have reshaped societal views on women's bodies and reproductive rights. By examining the ART industry across multiple countries, including Korea, Canada, the United States, Israel, Australia, and India, the authors provide a comprehensive look at the global implications of these advancements.

The essays within the book address the ethical, political, and social challenges posed by ART. While some view these technologies as straightforward solutions to infertility, the authors argue that they also introduce complex dilemmas regarding agency, commodification, and the evolving concept of family. The feminist lens applied throughout the text emphasizes the gendered aspects of infertility treatment and the societal expectations placed on women, prompting readers to reconsider the implications of these technologies on women's health and autonomy.

Through contributions from esteemed academics and activists, Reconfiguring Reproduction charts a rapidly evolving landscape where medical technology intersects with commerce and ideology. The book invites readers to engage with critical debates surrounding ART, encouraging a deeper understanding of the rights and experiences of women navigating this intricate and often contentious terrain.