ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine the development of the Norwegian and Japanese regulations of assisted reproduction with donated gametes (egg and sperm) in a feminist perspective. Debates about reproduction imply explicit and implicit discussions of gender difference, sexuality, heteronormativity and the question of what constitutes a family – a field with marked differences but also similarities in the two countries. In both Japan and Norway, a clear divide has existed between the legality of sperm donation and the prohibition on egg donation. A radical change took place when both countries legalised egg donation from 2020/2021. We explore the ways in which cultural notions of gender, gender difference and gender equality in the two countries have influenced the debates and resulted in the recent amendments of legal regulations and professional guidelines.
