ABSTRACT

It is over two decades since the first test-tube baby was born. During this period a new belief that all infertile women can now have babies has become widely accepted; indeed, infertile couples may feel great pressure to seek a medical solution. However, the psychological and social effects of the changing experiences of infertility remain confusing, both for those who experience infertility and for wider society. In this book, a distinguished range of contributors, including novelist Hilary Mantel and Germaine Greer, examine the experience of infertility from both male and female perspectives, the psychological aspects of infertility diagnosis and treatment, and the often radical and unexpected effects on kinship.
Drawing from a wide range of theoretical backgrounds including Jungian, analytical, and compelling personal reflections, this book aims to unravel the implications of advancing reproductive technology for our understanding of ourselves and our families.

part 1|1 pages

Introduction

part |1 pages

Experiencing infertility

chapter 3|6 pages

Clinical waste

chapter 4|3 pages

One man’s story

part |1 pages

Psychological aspects

part |1 pages

Changing patterns of kinship

chapter 10|3 pages

The story of Seth’s egg

chapter 11|9 pages

Seth

chapter 12|18 pages

Gifts of life in absentia

chapter 13|17 pages

Women’s work

chapter 14|11 pages

Egg donation

part |1 pages

The shadow

chapter 15|18 pages

Dark reflections

part 16|1 pages

Afterword

chapter 16|8 pages

Afterword