Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the Global South and North: Issues, Challenges and the Future

Assisted Reproductive Technologies in the Global South and North is a multidisciplinary book that examines the political and social frameworks of ART and its impact on global societies. It explores ART inequalities, commonalities, and specificities in various countries, regions, and on the transnational scene, highlighting new issues such as egg freezing and surrogacy and discussing older issues such as infertility and its medical treatment. The book aims to redress the balance between what is known about ART in the Global North and how the issue is investigated in the Global South, drawing out global similarities in the challenges that ARTs bring.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have gained significant attention in both the Global South and North, with their impact being felt across different countries and societies. In the context of a global social pressure to conceive, particularly for women, this collection critically examines the political and social frameworks surrounding ART and its effects on global communities.

Providing an overview of the issues surrounding ART in both the Global South and North, this book analyzes ART inequalities, commonalities, and specificities in various countries, regions, and on the transnational scene. From a multidisciplinary perspective and drawing on multisite studies, it highlights some new issues relating to ART (e.g. egg freezing, surrogacy), as well as discussing some older issues regarding infertility and its medical treatment (e.g. in vitro fertilization, childless stigmatization, and access to treatment).

The primary aim of this book is to redress the balance between what is known about ART in the Global North and how the issue is investigated in the Global South. It seeks to draw out the global similarities in the challenges that ARTs bring to these different areas of the world. The book will appeal to scholars and students in the social sciences, medicine, public health, health policy, women and gender studies, and demography.

ARTs have become increasingly prevalent in the Global South, with many countries in the region facing challenges related to infertility, access to healthcare, and social stigma. In some countries, ARTs are heavily regulated, while in others, they are available without strict regulations. The development of ARTs has been influenced by various factors, including globalization, reproductive medicalization, and cultural and religious beliefs.

In the Global North, ARTs have been widely accepted and used for many years. However, there are also concerns about their ethical implications, such as the potential for exploitation of women and children, and the commodification of reproduction. ARTs have been used to address a range of reproductive health issues, including infertility, genetic disorders, and gender dysphoria.

One of the key issues surrounding ART in the Global South is the inequality of access to treatment. Many women in the region do not have access to affordable or reliable ARTs, which can have significant consequences for their reproductive health and well-being. In addition, there are concerns about the safety and efficacy of ARTs in the Global South, particularly in countries where there is limited regulation or oversight of the healthcare system.

Another issue that is of concern in the Global South is the cultural and religious beliefs that can impact the use of ARTs. In some cultures, ARTs are considered taboo or immoral, and there may be legal or social barriers to their use. In contrast, in other cultures, ARTs are seen as a way to address reproductive health issues and improve family well-being.

In the Global North, ARTs are more widely available and accessible, with a range of options available to individuals and couples. However, there are also concerns about the cost of ARTs, which can be prohibitive for some individuals and couples. In addition, there are concerns about the ethical implications of ARTs, particularly in cases where there are disputes over the rights and responsibilities of parents, donors, and surrogates.

Overall, the impact of ARTs on global societies is complex and multifaceted. While they have the potential to address reproductive health issues and improve family well-being, they also raise important ethical and social concerns. It is essential to approach the use of ARTs with caution and to ensure that they are used in a responsible and ethical manner.

In conclusion, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have gained significant attention in both the Global South and North, with their impact being felt across different countries and societies. This collection critically examines the political and social frameworks surrounding ART and its effects on global communities. By highlighting the inequalities, commonalities, and specificities of ART in various countries, regions, and on the transnational scene, the book aims to redress the balance between what is known about ART in the Global North and how the issue is investigated in the Global South. The book will appeal to scholars and students in the social sciences.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367224028