Women as Wombs: Reproductive Technologies and the Battle Over Women's Freedom

The main theme of this discursive but timely denunciation of reproductive technologies, such as in-vitro fertilization and surrogate pregnancies, by bioethicist and feminist Raymond ( A Passion for Friends ) is the exploitation of women. She charges that women and their bodies are prone worldwide to ``publicly sanctioned'' invasive ``medical violence'' and ``unsafe, experimental and demeaning'' procedures. These technologies, she contends, are erroneously espoused by many feminists, and opposed by a more radical group that refuses to ``yield control of the female body to men.'' Third World women, Raymond further argues, are treated with unsafe contraceptive drugs and implants and are subjected to feticide of female embryos; they are also sought in trafficking in surrogates, child organs and fetal tissue. In conclusion, Raymond proposes an international gender-specific reproductive bill of rights and regulatory legislation. Major ad/promo. (Nov.)