Inconceivable Conceptions: Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Reproductive Technology

Since the first test-tube baby was born, there has been a belief that all infertile women can now have babies has become widely accepted; indeed, infertile couples may feel great pressure to seek a medical solution. However, the psychological and social effects of the changing experiences of infertility remain confusing, both for those who experience infertility and for wider society. In this volume, a distinguished range of contributors, including novelist Hilary Mantel and Germaine Greer, examine the experience of infertility from both male and female perspectives, the psychological aspects of infertility diagnosis and treatment, and the often radical and unexpected effects on kinship. Drawing from a wide range of theoretical backgrounds including Jungian, analytical and personal reflections, this book aims to unravel the implications of advancing reproductive technology for our understanding of ourselves and our families.