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Related Concept Videos

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Reviewing the womb.

Elizabeth Chloe Romanis1, Dunja Begović2, Margot R Brazier2

  • 1Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, Department of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK elizabeth.romanis@manchester.ac.uk.

Journal of Medical Ethics
|July 31, 2020
PubMed
Summary

Historically, the womb has been controlled due to reproductive system interference. Emerging womb technologies offer alternatives but risk reinforcing harmful narratives about female bodies and control.

Keywords:
embryos and fetusesinterests of woman/fetus/fatherreproductive medicinesocial control of science/technologywomen

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Bioethics
  • Sociology of Reproduction

Background:

  • Historically, women's roles were defined by reproduction, leading to external control over the womb.
  • Societal perceptions of the womb as dangerous and inaccessible fueled arguments for controlling women's reproductive autonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the historical and ongoing conflicts surrounding the womb and female reproduction.
  • To analyze how technological advancements in 'womb technology' intersect with historical control narratives.
  • To explore the dual potential of new reproductive technologies for liberation and further subjugation.

Main Methods:

  • Historical analysis of societal attitudes towards the womb and female reproduction.
  • Examination of contemporary reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), surrogacy, uterus transplants, and artificial wombs.
  • Critical discourse analysis of ethical and social implications of 'womb technology'.

Main Results:

  • Technological advancements increase accessibility to the female body and womb, echoing historical control arguments.
  • Reproductive technologies like IVF and surrogacy enable parenthood but also raise new ethical questions.
  • 'Womb technology' presents a potential paradox: liberation from biological constraints versus reinforcement of the female body as dangerous or imperfect.

Conclusions:

  • The advent of 'womb technology' necessitates addressing persistent, regressive narratives about control and conflict surrounding the womb.
  • Ethical frameworks must evolve to navigate the complex social and personal implications of advanced reproductive technologies.
  • Future discourse must critically engage with how 'womb technology' may either empower or further marginalize individuals based on their reproductive capabilities.