Abstract
This thesis explores the experiences and support needs of non-metropolitan Australian women in relation to assisted reproduction. It is argued that women's experiential knowledge has not been adequately validated and that a more inclusive knowledge base is required to improve the quality of care in this context. Service providers have much to gain from service users and there are real opportunities for improved service delivery. The literature review explores the range of creative possibilities presented by assisted reproduction and how it has captured public imagination since the world's first IVF baby was born in 1978. The wide ranging impacts of assisted reproduction on human society in terms of its medical, legal, ethical and social ramifications are presented. However, despite these possibilities and collective concerns, it is argued that the dominant paradigm in assisted reproduction remains quite traditional, conservative, biomedical and individualistic in its ontological orientation. Sustained feminist critique has established that women's experiential knowledge of reproductive technology remains largely outside of the dominant paradigm and women in particular are not afforded adequate epistemic agency.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 01 Dec 2009 |
Place of Publication | Australia |
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Publication status | Published - 2009 |