Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to introduce a new analytical lens for examining the role of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in the construction of the human body and motherhood from a post-humanistic perspective.
Method: Employing a qualitative methodology, this study conducted in-depth interviews, observations, and analysis of ART laboratory practices, utilizing samples drawn from infertility patients and ART laboratory work. The investigation delved into the spatial dynamics of ART operations within clinical settings, elucidating how technology influences the construction of the human body and the concept of motherhood.
Results and conclusion: The findings reveal that ART functions not merely as a corrective measure for physical infertility but as a techno-space that reconfigures the human body to facilitate reproduction and the construction of motherhood. The spatiality enacted by ART disrupts conventional notions of human nature, engendering what is termed as techno-maternity, wherein the ontological understanding of motherhood transcends biological constraints and assumes a technological dimension.
Research implications: This study underscores the imperative of adopting a post-humanistic perspective in examining the societal implications of ART. By elucidating the spatial and technological dimensions of ART's influence on human embodiment and motherhood, this research offers insights into broader socio-cultural transformations within current ages.
Originality/value: This research contributes to the academic discourse by presenting a novel analytical framework that illuminates the intricate interplay between technology, embodiment, and societal constructions of motherhood. By delineating the techno-spatial dynamics of ART, this study expands the understanding of how technological interventions shape human experiences and identities in the context of reproductive health.
Publisher
RGSA- Revista de Gestao Social e Ambiental