Between Families and Frankenstein: The Politics of Egg Donation in the United States

Egg donation for reproduction and research in the US has different cultural attitudes and state-level policies, with no centralized method of regulating donations. Erin Heidt-Forsythe's book explores how framing egg donation creates diverse politics, connecting historical debates to contemporary regulation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 22 June 2018
Publisher: University of California Press

In the United States, egg donation for reproduction and egg donation for research share identical procedures, risks, and donor populations—disadvantaged women at the intersections of race and class. However, cultural attitudes and state-level policies surrounding egg donation diverge significantly depending on whether the donation is intended for reproduction or research. Erin Heidt-Forsythe delves into the ways in which framing egg donation itself shapes diverse politics in the United States, a unique feature among Western democracies, as it lacks a centralized regulatory framework. Instead, egg donation and reproductive technologies are governed by market forces and state legislatures.

The book begins by tracing the historical backdrop of scientific research surrounding the human egg, highlighting the debates surrounding the "natural" (reproduction) and "unnatural" (research) uses of women's eggs. This historical context serves as a foundation for the subsequent chapters, which examine egg donation practices in California, New York, Arizona, and Louisiana. By combining original data on the regulation of egg donation over the past two decades, the book offers a comprehensive overview and analysis of the politics of egg donation across the United States.

Through its exploration, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between cultural attitudes, state-level policies, and the regulatory landscape surrounding egg donation. It highlights the ways in which these factors shape the experiences of both donors and recipients, as well as the broader societal implications of egg donation. The book also raises important questions about the ethical and social implications of commodifying women's eggs and the potential for exploitation and discrimination within the egg donation industry.

Overall, "The Politics of Egg Donation in the United States" is a valuable contribution to the field of reproductive politics and ethics. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the complex dynamics surrounding egg donation, offering insights into the ways in which cultural attitudes, state-level policies, and market forces shape the experiences of donors, recipients, and society as a whole.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 209 x 140 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520298194