Why can't a fetus be more like a sperm? The woman's role in fetal tissue research and how women are left out of the discussion

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of fetal tissue for scientific research is a good example of the ways that cultural definitions have enveloped and galvanized the link between culture, science, and politics. Since the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973, use of fetal tissue has been connected to arguably one of the hottest political firestorms of the century.abortion. While the abortion issue, as well as the use of fetal tissue for research, has been debated and discussed in almost every major field of thought, the debate consistently fails to address some of the key cultural interpretations we give to issues such as gender, science, and the role of women, who have largely been forgotten, and how these interpretations influence the national debate. To gain understanding of how these issues affect the fetal tissue dialogue, one must explore the role these cultural interpretations have in the discussion on the use of fetal tissue for research by looking at the cultural meanings we give to the terms mother and fetus and how these scientific metaphors affect the way we think about women who donate fetal tissue. These concepts must then be applied to fetal tissue use by exploring both political and ethical arguments surrounding the issue.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19-32
Number of pages14
JournalGender Issues
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Why can't a fetus be more like a sperm? The woman's role in fetal tissue research and how women are left out of the discussion'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this