Of “Glands and Nerve Storms"—Reproductive Technologies

Abstract

Reproductive technologies cause intense conflicts. Many people clearly know their position, whether for or against. People who wish for (their own genetic) children but cannot conceive—either alone or with a partner—find their wishes ignored within the Federal Republic’s debate on reproduction and gene technologies (p. 237-241). These unheard voices find themselves objects of popular media “experts,” who support reproductive and gene technologies. These experts promise to fulfill their desire for a (genetic) child. Aspects such as the possibility of health and the choice of physical features have been highlighted as the positive aspects of reproductive and gene technologies, not the protection against genetic diseases. The volume portrays the possibility of individual choice (by overcoming the obstacles of ‘nature’) as possible (p. 107). Bock von Wülfingen analyzed contributions from experts approving of reproductive and gene technologies in German popular media from the time period between 1995 and 2003. She examined these using discourse and metaphor analysis and her focus on the supporters of reproductive and gene technologies add to the study an examination of those attitudinal expectations that are gaining speed. Bock von Wülfingen’s work will be of interest to those who wish to expand the narrow scope of current debates on reproductive and gene technologies.