Women and New Reproductive Technologies

Although major breakthroughs in reproductive technology have created dramatic opportunities for many people, they are not without problems. More significant than the question of whether the technologies are "good" or "bad," however, is for whom they are good, in what instances, and to whom they should be made accessible. These issues can be debated at multiple levels; from the ethical implications, to the social and psychological consequences for society and for the individual, to the legal and medical outcomes. Each chapter highlights a different array of problems and benefits, while emphasizing four major themes: the impact of technology on women's lives; the role of women; the individual versus society; and the fetus as patient.

Judith Rodin, Aila Collins

Contents: J. Rodin, A. Collins, The New Reproductive Technologies: Overview of the Challenges and Issues. N.S. Dye, The History of the Relationship Between Women's Health and Technology. S. Thatcher, A. Decherney, Pregnancy-Inducing Technologies: Biological and Medical Implications. R. Faden, Autonomy, Choice, and the New Reproductive Technologies: The Role of Informed Consent in Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis. C. Whitbeck, Ethical Issues Raised by the New Medical Technologies. S. Ruzek, Women's Reproductive Rights: The Impact of Technology. E.W. Clayton, Women and Advances in Medical Technology: The Legal Issues. N.E. Adler, S. Keys, P. Robertson, Psychological Issues in New Reproductive Technologies: Pregnancy-Inducing Technology and Diagnostic Screening. R. Rapp, Communicating About the New Reproductive Technologies: Cultural, Interpersonal and Linguistic Determinants of Understanding. A. Collins, J. Rodin, The New Reproductive Technologies: What Have We Learned?