Description
Book SynopsisMarcia C. Inhorn's ethnography of international travelers seeking in vitro fertilization treatment in the global IVF hub of Dubai shows that infertile couples, or "reprotravelers," leave their countries because IVF treatment is not safe, affordable, legal or effective. Inhorn opens a window into the painful, frustrating, and expensive world of infertility.
Trade Review"
Cosmopolitan Conceptions offers a fresh and much needed perspective on global infertility.... This book is a crucial read for those interested in the politics of reproduction, parenthood, kinship, globalization, the use of technologies, modernization, and the Middle East.... Inhorn has created a provocative account of infertile couples’ quests for a child, which not only contributes to scholarly discussions, but also to public debates about infertility and treatment and the global movement of knowledge and technologies." -- Cortney Hughes Rinker * Middle East Journal *
"This book truly does take the reader into the 'womb' of a cosmopolitan IVF clinic and the reprotravelers who are its clientele. It is a must read for students of anthropology, medicine, women’s history, whether or not they are involved in research on human reproduction. This is a must read for NGOs, ministries of health, medical practitioners, and others who are deeply committed, particularly in noncosmopolitan states, to working for the improvement of women’s maternal and reproductive health. I highly recommend this enlightening, ethnographically rich and deeply compassionate book." -- Naomi M. McPherson * Anthropology Book Forum *
"This outstanding and readable book is equally valuable for interdisciplinary scholars, global reproductive justice advocates, and infertility caregivers." -- Laury Oaks * American Anthropologist *
"What strikes me most, as an anthropologist also engaged in the uphill struggle of tracing varied global reproductive travel routes, is Inhorn’s uncanny ability to truly engage with her informants. She embodies the cultural cosmopolitanism of which she writes. Her empathic nature and ability to speak with couples from all over the world reveals her skills of engaging with people—the heart of the anthropological endeavor." -- Amy Speier * Medical Anthropology Quarterly *
"This well-written and powerful book can and should be read by a wide audience." -- Susie Kilshaw * Journal of International and Global Studies *
"Inhorn has a sure grasp on global infertility issues and uses her rich empirical data to argue for better, and fairer, provision of ARTs across the world.... The great strength of
Cosmopolitan Conceptions is Inhorn’s ability to give voice to her informants."
-- Katharine Dow * Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute *
Table of ContentsIllustrations ix
Prologue. Rahnia's Reproductive Journey xi
Introduction. IVF Sojourns 1
1. Hubs: Medical Cosmopolitanism in the Emirates 35
Hubs: Reprotravel Stories 77
2. Absences: Resource Shortages and Waiting Lists 105
Absences: Reprotravel Stories 138
3. Restrictions: Religious Bans and Law Evasion 159
Restricitions: Reprotravel Stories 197
4. Discomforts: Medical Harm and the Search for High-Quality IVF 221
Discomforts: Reprotravel Stories 255
Conclusion. Cosmopolitan Conceptions 287
Acknowledgments 305
Glossory of Medical Terms 311
Notes 321
References 351
Index 371
