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Making Global Reproductive Medicine in Postcolonial India: A History of Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Joseph Foster

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Published in Substantial Relations: Making Global Reproductive Medicine In Postcolonial India

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Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have become a global phenomenon, with millions of people around the world conceiving children through these technologies. But how did ARTs emerge? And how have they been shaped by local contexts? In her new book, Making Global Reproductive Medicine in Postcolonial India, historian Priyanka Chilana tells the story of how ARTs emerged in India and became a global phenomenon.

Substantial Relations: Making Global Reproductive Medicine in Postcolonial India

by Sandra Bärnreuther

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Drawing on archival research, interviews, and ethnographic fieldwork, Chilana traces the transnational networks, scientific practices, and cultural meanings that shaped the development of ARTs in India. She argues that ARTs were not simply imported from the West but were actively shaped by Indian social, cultural, and political contexts.

Chilana's book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the global history of reproductive medicine and the ways in which reproductive technologies are shaped by local contexts. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of medicine, the anthropology of reproduction, or the global health.

The Emergence of ARTs in India

The first ART procedure in India was performed in 1978, just a few years after the first successful IVF birth in the world. However, it was not until the 1990s that ARTs began to gain widespread popularity in India. This was due in part to the liberalization of the Indian economy and the influx of foreign investment in the healthcare sector. It was also due to the growing demand for ARTs from infertile couples.

The early years of ARTs in India were marked by a number of challenges. There was a lack of trained personnel, equipment, and infrastructure. There were also ethical concerns about the use of ARTs. However, over time, the ART sector in India has grown and matured. Today, India is one of the leading providers of ARTs in the world.

The Global Reach of ARTs

ARTs have had a profound impact on the global reproductive landscape. They have made it possible for millions of infertile couples to have children. They have also led to the development of new genetic technologies, such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD allows couples to select embryos that are free of genetic diseases.

The global reach of ARTs has also raised a number of ethical concerns. These concerns include the commodification of reproduction, the exploitation of women, and the creation of designer babies. However, ARTs have also been used to promote reproductive justice and to improve the lives of women and children.

The Future of ARTs

The future of ARTs is uncertain. However, it is clear that these technologies will continue to play a major role in the reproductive lives of millions of people around the world. It is important to ensure that ARTs are used in a responsible and ethical manner. It is also important to continue to research the long-term effects of ARTs on children and families.

Making Global Reproductive Medicine in Postcolonial India is a timely and important book that sheds light on the global history of ARTs. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of reproductive medicine.

About the Author

Priyanka Chilana is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of Making Global Reproductive Medicine in Postcolonial India: A History of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (Cambridge University Press, 2023).

Substantial Relations: Making Global Reproductive Medicine in Postcolonial India

by Sandra Bärnreuther

4.6 out of 5