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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

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Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
Summary
This study examines the asymmetry thesis, which argues that markets in women's reproductive labor are more problematic than other labor markets. It critiques common defenses and offers a new perspective on reproductive labor ethics.
Area of Science:
- Social Policy
- Ethics
- Economics
Background:
- Social policy evolution often centers on market scope limitations.
- Recent experiments with markets in women's reproductive labor, such as contract pregnancy, raise ethical questions.
- The asymmetry thesis posits that reproductive labor markets are uniquely problematic compared to other labor markets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate popular arguments defending the asymmetry thesis regarding reproductive labor.
- To propose an alternative defense of the asymmetry thesis.
- To analyze arguments against contract pregnancy that rely on the asymmetry thesis.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of ethical and economic arguments.
- Critique of existing justifications for the asymmetry thesis.
- Development of a novel defense for the asymmetry thesis.
Main Results:
- Popular defenses of the asymmetry thesis are found to be wanting.
- The asymmetry thesis captures significant societal intuitions.
- A plausible argument against contract pregnancy, grounded in the asymmetry thesis, is presented.
Conclusions:
- The asymmetry thesis offers a compelling framework for understanding concerns about markets in reproductive labor.
- Further philosophical and ethical inquiry is needed to fully address the implications of the asymmetry thesis.
- The study provides a foundation for a more nuanced ethical debate on reproductive labor markets.
Keywords:
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