The enactment of norms
Aiming to examine socio-cultural aspects of uterus transplantation, this project explores the perspectives of involved actors such as medical professionals and those of women diagnosed with uterine factor infertility. It investigates how such actors reason about and make sense of uterus transplantation in relation to beliefs about female embodiment, gender, in/fertility, pregnancy and medical innovation. The project also aims to investigate how sociocultural beliefs become enacted in care practices and matter to policies that take shape along with the development of uterus transplantation.
Developing care and policy
In an era where ARTs have become a ‘normal’ part of individuals’ lives across the globe, this project contributes with knowledge on how relational, societal and ethical challenges take shape in the development of a new ART. It also provides increased insight into sociocultural aspects of an invasive medical treatment that is not meant to save lives but aims to enable pregnancy and biological parenthood. Doing so, the project brings out the complexities of how medical innovations – for which there are no established protocols and policies – are understood, renegotiated and questioned.
Project title: A gift for life? – a sociocultural exploration of live uterus transplantation between relatives and friends from the perspective of involved parties
Funder: Swedish Research Council