Public policies on assisted human reproduction with donors: gender, kinship and ethics in relation to reproductive practices and their regulation

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to outline some challenges faced by social scientists working in the field of assisted reproductive technology with donors (ART-D). Whether carrying out research or other professional activities, they face highly complex and ever-changing contexts that are traversed by various cultural, legal, ethical and medical issues. Through a literature review, we present three main lines of analysis: (1) the body and biotechnology, and how these relate to the anthropology of kinship; (2) feminist perspectives concerning the reproductive practices of women; and (3) problems that arise in the reproductive market – stemming from differences among countries in terms of health policies, legal permissibility, and the degree of discretion granted to the business sector – paying special attention to the resulting social and moral implications. This broad overview aims at encouraging debate within the academic community.