Cultural Conceptions

On Reproductive Technologies and the Remaking of Life

Author: Valerie Hartouni
ISBN: 9780816626236

Examines the meaning of "life" in an era of emerging biotechnology.What happens to prevailing beliefs about the uniqueness of individual life when life can be cloned? Or to traditional understandings of family relationships when a child can have up to five parents? These are some of the questions addressed by Valerie Hartouni in her consideration of the cultural effects of new reproductive technologies as reflected in video images, popular journalism, scientific debates, legal briefs, and policy decisions.In Cultural Conceptions, Hartouni tracks the circulation and communication of various myths, images, and stories pertaining to new reproductive technologies and their effects, both imagined and real, during the past two decades. While addressing topics ranging from surrogacy and cloning to adoption, ultrasound imaging, and abortion, Hartouni looks to American popular culture for clues to what these new -- and not so new -- reproductive practices tell us about issues of personhood.Hart

Publisher: U of Minnesota Press
Publish Date: 1997

Subjects: Medical / Reproductive Medicine & Technology

This book is available in the following Community Centers: Women's Center (Location: STEM)