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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

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA

    Sarah Bauerle Bass (an adjunct faculty member)

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  1. Sarah Bauerle Bass
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She is currently conducting research on the use of Internet Health Information by newly diagnosed cancer patients at Fox Chase Cancer Center.

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Bass, S.B. 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. Gend. Issues 19, 19–32 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-001-0002-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-001-0002-0

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