Invisible Labours: The Reproductive Politics of Second Trimester Pregnancy Loss in England

Invisible Labours explores the reproductive politics of second trimester pregnancy loss in England, revealing an underlying teleological ontology of pregnancy and how some women understand their pregnancy through kinship with the unborn baby.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2024
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Tracing the experiences of women who miscarry or terminate pregnancies for foetal anomalies in the second trimester, before legal viability, reveals how these events are often perceived as less "real" or significant when the foetal being does not or will not survive. Invisible Labours, a book by Dr. Rebecca Evans, delves into the reproductive politics surrounding this category of pregnancy loss in England. It uncovers how second trimester pregnancy loss engenders distinct medical and social experiences, unveiling an underlying teleological ontology of pregnancy. For some women, this loss prompts them to understand their pregnancy through a kinship with the unborn baby.

The book explores the ways in which women's experiences of miscarriage and termination for foetal anomalies are marginalized and devalued in society. It highlights the societal pressures and expectations that women face when dealing with pregnancy loss, particularly in the second trimester. Invisible Labours also sheds light on the medical practices and procedures that are often employed in these cases, and how they can further exacerbate women's emotional and physical distress.

Through a series of interviews and case studies, Invisible Labours provides a powerful account of the experiences of women who have undergone miscarriage or termination for foetal anomalies. The book offers a nuanced understanding of the emotional and psychological toll that these experiences can take on women, as well as the broader social and political implications of pregnancy loss.

In conclusion, Invisible Labours is a crucial contribution to the field of reproductive politics and women's health. It sheds light on the experiences of women who miscarry or terminate pregnancies for foetal anomalies in the second trimester, before legal viability, and highlights the ways in which these events are marginalized and devalued in society. The book offers a nuanced understanding of the emotional and psychological toll that these experiences can take on women, as well as the broader social and political implications of pregnancy loss. By challenging dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and compassionate approach to pregnancy loss, Invisible Labours contributes to the ongoing struggle for reproductive justice and women's rights.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805392576