Reproductive Futures As Women Age: Advanced Maternal Age, Emerging Reproductive Technologies and Health Concerns

A. Objectives: The aim of this project is to address the recursive nature of social norms and new technology:  how are new reproductive technologies shifting social norms about motherhood and aging and, conversely, how are women’s interactions with fertility professionals reshaping the industry’s concept of baby-making There are, however, important social correlates of assisted reproductive technology that have yet to gain attention that this study aims to discuss.

The key dimensions I have discussed above.
a. Generational differences:  This comparison look generational differences in use, availability   and access to new reproductive technologies featuring race/ethnic and social class differences. There are important social correlates of assisted reproductive technology that are only now emerging. E.g., the advances in egg- and/or embryo-freezing that make it possible for women to delay motherhood until their 40s (not available to an older generation of women)/for the younger women delays have resulted in a growing number of unused eggs/embryos that need to be managed (or disposed of). Included here: understandings about  bio-surveillance of genetic materials, decisions around embryo pre-implantation testing, embryo grading, sex-selection.
b. Maternal bricolage: Including is the social meaning of the absence of genetic parenthood, attitudes toward disclosure to children and  whether motherhood is experienced differently if there is a partner or another family member with a genetic tie).
c. Embryo Management:  How the fertility industry is facilitating the development of new embryo markets especially related to embryo transfers to non-genetically related individuals.  Included also is an examination of legal regulations within the industry (such as the FDA) and also movement across state/federal systems.
B. Conceptual Objectives
I have published an extensive range of articles and books on the impact of new reproductive technologies on human behavior.  Single by Chance, Mothers by Choice was among the first books to explore the process through which women choose to use a donor and how they craft families in the absence of biological fathers. My subsequent book, Random Families, extended my earlier research to include donor-conceived children and their parents examining the unprecedented development of the donor-linked networks. In my new book project I will continue to look at exceptional ways of constructing parenthood and families that are currently emerging within the politics of reproduction.  I am confident that this new project will generate interest from academics and practitioners.
C. Expected outcomes: 
I am under agreement with Oxford University Press for first rights to publish this book..

The Consequences of Delaying Motherhood: Advanced Maternal Age, Infertility and Health Concerns

My Objectives are to examine the following key themes with comparative data:1. Loss of Genetic Motherhood and the Meaning of Genes

By comparing those who have relied upon donated eggs with those who have relied upon either manufactured embryos (both eggs and sperm) I can examine attitudes toward the experience of motherhood.  Included in that are the social meaning of the absence of a genetic tie to children, epigenetics and the biological importance attributed to motherhood narratives. How is the bodily experience of motherhood (including the epigenetic narrative) heightened? Is it a way to counter the lack of a genetic /lineage tie to children and is this tie experienced differently if a partner has a genetic link to the child?

2.  Choice of Gamete Donors
The US allows for choice of both sperm and egg donors with the intending parent(s) selecting their own donors. Choice includes both type of donor (anonymous, identity release) and the exact donors. Shifting donors is common (and an empirical finding that is complex).  However, in Spain selection of donor(s) is done by the clinic personnel where donor anonymity is strictly regulated. Limited information about the donor(s) is given to recipients in Spain whereas in the U.S. extensive profiles exist.  This examination includes how intending parent(s) imagine the donors as contributors to their embryos and also their understanding of the differences between themselves (as egg donor recipients) and the egg donors (as gift givers who are not always from the same social class background, ages or race).  My earlier research finds that variables upon which egg and sperm donors are selected differ. How does two different fertility systems affect recipients understanding (and their thoughts about the donors) after the child is born?

3.  Disclosure to Children
While disclosure to children is recommended  (though has been a present source of controversy among some European Doctors versus social workers) the conditions under which parents disclose one or both donors will be examined.   In the U.S. disclosure is likely because of practical considerations. Clients using Spanish clinics are “protected” by rules of confidentiality and they might choose not to disclose or to disclose at different points in their children’s lives. The use of two donors makes disclosure more complicated in both contexts. Disclosure could involve only disclosing one donor and not the other.  We don’t know under what conditions (and if recipients feel) there is enough genetic information to disclose especially in the case of egg donor use.

SOCIAL AND BIOGENETIC FACTORS IN THE MAKING OF NEW FAMILIES