Narratives of a Struggle: the Experience of Assisted Reproductive Medicine in Online Infertility Communities

Abstract

"Narratives of a Struggle: The Experience of Assisted Reproductive Medicine in Online Infertility Communities. Although ART (assisted reproductive technology) has become a well-established field in modern medicine, the subject is still taboo in many modern societies. This prompted infertility patients (roughly 15-20% of the general adult population) to find online platforms to discuss options, treatments, experiences and create virtual communities – mainly forums and Facebook groups. I shall focus on aspects concerning the narratives of trauma, loss and empowerment in two online communities - Infertilitate. Fertilizare in vitro. Sustinem Asociatia SOS Infertilitatea (Infertility. In vitro fertilization. We support the SOS Infertility Association) and Fertility Friends, from two different geographical areas – the UK and Romania, in order to reveal the dynamics of advice giving, information sharing, experience narratives and patient support. Communication is paramount to infertility treatment, yet specialized clinics often underestimate the importance of this aspect. Online forums and social media have provided patients with opportunities to connect, shaping particular jargons and textual strategies with regard to the medical journey of ART. I intend to outline the structure and relevance of these verbal constructs, in order to explore the specific manner in which online platforms offer a valid environment for a positive exchange of information among ART patients while also creating a medium of emotional support. My interdisciplinary focus will involve methods specific to medical humanities, text and discourse analysis and linguistic commentary. Keywords: assisted reproduction, infertility, loss, online communities, support groups, trauma "