Today, we’re exploring a topic that has impacted so many people around the world, including some of my closest friends and students. I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about IVF, as I haven’t had personal experience with it, so I set out to learn more. Interestingly, my cousin is an expert on the subject, and one day shared with me about the the history of IVF and the globalization and the technology behind it. From that point on, I knew I had to have her on the podcast!
Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Dr. Donna J. Drucker. Donna is the assistant director of scholarship and research development at the Columbia University School of Nursing. She has a master of library science degree and a PhD in history, both from Indiana University. She is the author of four books and many articles and shorter publications, and has a fifth book on abortion under contract.
While many of us know the outcome that we’re hoping for with IVF, and perhaps a bit about the procedures involved, Donna shares insight on aspects such as the donors, the surrogacy, the laws, and so much more. We also talk about how race and appearance generally factor into decision-making, along with many other things I had not thought about. I am really excited for you to hear Donna’s perspective on IVF as a researcher in this field.
In this episode, you will learn:
- About Donna and what led her to being interested in IVF
- A brief history of IVF from its origins to the present
- How IVF and fertility technology have become globalized in the past 15 years
- Some of the technologies that structure the global fertility industry
- How each country has different policies and laws regarding egg sales, sperm sales, and use of surrogacy, and how different countries handle these transactions and why
- How race and appearance generally factors into decision-making by would-be parents of IVF-created children
- Some of the problems within the fertility industry, and how countries have tried to stop them
- How hopeful parents-to-be can know that the procedure or test they are receiving is regulated, tested, and going to be in their best interest
- One final tip or piece of advice Donna would like to offer parents going through IVF
- Where you can find her work
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About Donna:
Donna J. Drucker is the assistant director of scholarship and research development at the Columbia University School of Nursing. She has a master of library science degree and a PhD in history, both from Indiana University. She is the author of four books and many articles and shorter publications, and has a fifth book on abortion under contract.
Connect with Donna:
Twitter/X : @histofsex
MIT Press books: https://mitpress.mit.edu/author/donna-j-drucker-17704/
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