Feminist perspectives on reproductive technologies: the politics of motherhood
Chokr, N.N.
Technology in Society 14(3): 317-333
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0160-791X PMID: 11652187 DOI: 10.1016/0160-791x(92)90010-8Document Number: 322426
Feminist today are so divided about reproductive technologies and their implications that a unified and coherent perspective is unlikely to develop soon. The present analysis is a step toward evaluating the various views and positions and sorting out some of the problems and issues associated with the technologies in question. First, it provides a general framework for discussions of reproductive technologies. Secondly, it attempts to characterize the "politics of motherhood," and focuses for this purpose on two particular examples: (a) prenatal diagnostic tests and procedures and (b) surrogacy or surrogate motherhood. Finally, it argues that "women must define what is best for women" concerning reproductive technologies, and articulate thus the form and direction of the "politics of motherhood." However, as both men and women debate the pros and cons, they should not overlook or neglect the basic problems of understanding and preventing infertility, providing prenatal care to all women, and seriously exploring and encouraging adoption as a viable alternative.