'In this book, the cultural and scientific imaginaries of assisted reproduction meet the obdurate histories of laboratory experiments, biological materials, and personal quests in a compelling account of the production of the global experience of assisted reproduction and its potential futures. From the first experiments in IVF to debates over regulation, from controversies to the future of gene editing and artificial wombs, this work provides a synoptic account of changes to reproduction wrought by technologies of IVF, its development and naturalisation as part of our reproductive repertoires. It is an important read for anyone interested in one of the most significant technological and social interventions ever developed.'
—Andrea Whittaker, Professor of Anthropology, Monash University, author of International Surrogacy as Disruptive Industry in Southeast Asia (2019)
This is the first transnational history of IVF and assisted reproduction. It is a key text for scholars and students in social science, history, science and technology studies (STS), cultural studies, and gender and sexuality studies, and a resource for journalists, policymakers, and anyone interested in assisted reproduction. IVF was seen as revolutionary in 1978 when the first two IVF babies were born, in the UK and India. Assisted reproduction has now contributed to the birth of around ten million people. The book traces the work of IVF teams as they developed new techniques and laid the foundations of a multi-billion-dollar industry. It analyses the changing definitions and experience of infertility, the markets for eggs and children through surrogacy, cross-border reproductive treatment, and the impact of regulation. Using interviews with leading IVF figures, archives, media reports, and the latest science, it is a vital addition to the field of reproduction studies.
Sarah Ferber is Professor of History at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Her books include: Bioethics in Historical Perspective (2013), and the co-edited The Reproductive Industry: Intimate Experiences and Global Processes (2019), and The Body Divided: Human Beings and Human ‘Material’ in Modern Medical History (2011).
Nicola J. Marks is Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong. She researches the social dimensions of science and medicine, including stem cell research and IVF, and is co-editor of The Reproductive Industry: Intimate Experiences and Global Processes (2019).
Vera Mackie is Senior Professor of Asian and International Studies at the University of Wollongong. She is co-author of Remembering Women’s Activism (2019), co-editor of The Reproductive Industry: Intimate Experiences and Global Processes (2019), and The Social Sciences in the Asian Century (2015).
This is the first transnational history of IVF and assisted reproduction. It is a key text for scholars and students in social science, history, science and technology studies (STS), cultural studies, and gender and sexuality studies, and a resource for journalists, policymakers, and anyone interested in assisted reproduction. IVF was seen as revolutionary in 1978 when the first two IVF babies were born, in the UK and India. Assisted reproduction has now contributed to the birth of around ten million people. The book traces the work of IVF teams as they developed new techniques and laid the foundations of a multi-billion-dollar industry. It analyses the changing definitions and experience of infertility, the markets for eggs and children through surrogacy, cross-border reproductive treatment, and the impact of regulation. Using interviews with leading IVF figures, archives, media reports, and the latest science, it is a vital addition to the field of reproduction studies.
‘This pathbreaking account of the global forces behind the rapid rise of the fertility industry is the first to offer such a truly comprehensive overview of this hugely important topic.’
—Sarah Franklin, Chair of Sociology, University of Cambridge
‘In this compelling overview of one of the most significant technological and social interventions ever developed, the cultural and scientific imaginaries of assisted reproduction meet the obdurate histories of laboratory experiments, biological materials, and personal quests. It is an indispensable read for anyone interested in IVF and assisted reproduction.’
—Andrea Whittaker, Professor of Anthropology, Monash University
Sarah Ferber
IVF in vitro fertilisation assisted reproduction surrogacy cross-border reproductive treatment donor conception/donor conceived people reproductive technologies reproductive studies ARTs genetic screening of embryos 40th anniversary of first IVF births gender and sexuality
“Both books achieve their aims well. … these two books serve well in providing insight into AR practice world-wide … . Both books offer much of interest and value to those with an interest in this domain: AR practitioners, regulators and policy makers, students and researchers, and general readers seeking to understand the growth, complexity, and impact of the world-wide AR industry.” (Ian Smith, Australian Journal of Asian Law, Vol. 23 (2), 2022)
“It is this emphasis on the social, cultural and political – as well as the medical and scientific– that sets this book apart from standard medical histories. … This will be an indispensable reference work for historians of AR, as it maps out the research, clinical, regulatory and societal paths – including dead ends – towards the point we are at now and poses important questions for how we can understand the opportunities and risks AR poses into the future.” (Sianan Healy, History Australia, Vol. 19 (1), 2022)
“This pathbreaking account of the global forces behind the rapid rise of the fertility industry is the first to offer such a truly comprehensive overview of this hugely important topic.” (Sarah Franklin, Chair of Sociology, University of Cambridge)
“In this compelling overview of one of the most significant technological and social interventions ever developed, the cultural and scientific imaginaries of assisted reproduction meet the obdurate histories of laboratory experiments, biological materials, and personal quests. It is an indispensable read for anyone interested in IVF and assisted reproduction.” (Andrea Whittaker, Professor of Anthropology, Monash University)