ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part describes the childfree women's movement and the Birth Rights Movement which are associated with second-wave feminism. As the second wave brought more options in roles for women, along with improved contraception, an increasing number of women have chosen not to have children. The part suggests that the birth rights rationale serves to defend against the expectant mother's underlying fears about the dangers of childbirth by idealizing the experience. It shows that the advocates essentially are restricting maternal choice by substituting their dogma for medical dogma. According to birth rights advocates, however, there are too many unnecessary medical interventions for a mother giving birth, which may dampen her joyousness in the occasion and potentially her bonding with the baby. The part explores women's reactions to infertility and their transformation to motherhood following adoption.
