New Book Explores IVF‘s Impact on Motherhood and Cultural Norms in Bangladesh
DHAKA – A new โฃbook examining the introduction of In Vitro Fertilization โ(IVF) in Bangladesh โขand its influence on cultural understandings of motherhood and childlessness โwas launchedโ today, sparking discussion about reproductive technologies and societal expectations. The book, authored by an anthropology professor, details research conducted around 2010, revealing a complex interplay between scientific advancement, media portrayal, feministโ perspectives, and policy gaps.
The author began her presentation by noting the surprise some โin scientific fields express at โคan anthropological study of IVF, emphasizing the long-standing tradition of sociologists and anthropologists examining the societal impact of science and technology.Her research centersโ on how IVF has reshaped โperceptions of motherhood and childlessness within Bangladeshi culture.
A key insight stemmed from an interviewee who expressedโค a desire to โattempt IVF despite acknowledging a fulfilling life withoutโ children, stating, “Still, I โwant to โคcarry a child, in case I ever regret it.” This internal conflict highlighted the strong cultural value โฃplaced on motherhood, particularly for marriedโ women in Bangladesh.
Theโ book analyzes how IVF is presented in the Bangladeshi media, often as a “miraculous solution” promising happiness and reinforcing the notion that motherhood is essential, and childlessness leads to marital or social problems.
The study acknowledges a limitation in its โfocus on middle-class women,who were the primary โขdemographic with access to IVF treatment โฃat private hospitalsโข during the 2010 research period.
Interviews with feminist activists – including Ayesha Khanam, Sultana Kamal, Farida Akhter, โShireen Huq, and maleka Begum – revealed broad support for IVF, with Ayesha Khanam describing it as a “khirki” (window) offering new possibilities. However, activistsโข expressed caution about advocatingโค for IVF as a national agenda due to potential conservative opposition. The author also noted the absence of formal policy regulating IVF in Bangladesh, 24 years after its introduction.
During a question-and-answer session, audience members raised concerns โabout the lack of male participation in reproductive research and the โcultural prioritization of biological motherhood โover adoption.