Psychiatric Aspects of Reproductive Technology

This book describes the socio-historical context out of which arose a need for this book. Chapter two presents an overview of psychodynamic, psychoanalytic concepts about reproductive motivation, and provides a brief review of concepts of femininity as the preparation for becoming pregnant. Chapter three discusses male gender-related issues in reproduction and technology including infertility and artificial insemination, and provides insight into ways in which men react to and cope with infertility. Chapter six discusses the parameters, both constitutional and statutory, within each state and federal governing body that regulate the development and use of new reproductive technologies. The impact of these principles upon the rights of patients and physicians, including psychiatrists, is also discussed. Chapter seven reviews the relationship between the development of therapeutic techniques and development of ethical thought regarding reproductive technologies over the last 20 years. This chapter demonstrates how rapidly ethical norms evolve to reflect the facts as they become known through scientific progress. A discussion of ethical programmes requiring attention from psychiatrists is also included. The future promises, and possibly threatens, more profound changes in how human beings are planned and created. With all of this change ahead, the issues of infertility and motherhood affect us all deeply. Chapter ten focuses on the effects of the new reproductive technologies on the individual and relationships. When a couple are undergoing modern treatment for infertility, stress on the relationship is a common factor. Chapter eleven discusses gender differences in counselling needs during this treatment. "Psychiatric Aspects of Reproductive Technology" concludes with a chapter on psychiatric research and the new reproductive technologies.