Journal Article

Foetal Images: The Power of Visual Technology in Antenatal Care and the Implications for Women's Reproductive Freedom

Zechmeister, Ingrid

2001

Overview

Continuing medico-technical progress has led to an increasing medicalisation of pregnancy and childbirth. One of the most common technologies in this context is ultrasound. Based on some identified 'pro-technology feminist theories', notably the postmodernist feminist discourse, the technology of ultrasound is analysed focusing mainly on social and political rather than clinical issues. As empirical research suggests, ultrasound is welcomed by the majority of women. The analysis, however, shows that attitudes and decisions of women are influenced by broader social aspects. Furthermore, it demonstrates how the visual technology of ultrasound, in addition to other reproductive technology in maternity care, is linked to the 'personification' of the foetus and has therefore contributed to a new image of the foetus. The exploration of these issues challenges some arguments of feminist discourse. It draws attention to possible adverse implications of the technology for women's reproductive freedom and indicates the importance of the topic for political discussions.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Abortion / Abortion, Induced - psychology / Attitudes / Childbirth / Debates / Decision Making / Female / Feminism / Feminist theories / Feminist theory / Fetus / Fetuses / Freedom / Freedoms / Humans / Maternal-Fetal Relations / Medical technology / Medicalization / Neonatal care / Object Attachment / Personal Autonomy / Personhood / Physician-Patient Relations / Policy Making / Postmodernism / Power (Psychology) / Pregnancy / Prenatal care / Reproduction / Reproductive technologies / Social factors / Sociology, Medical / Technological progress / Technology / Ultrasonic imaging / Ultrasonic screening / Ultrasonography, Prenatal - psychology / Visual Perception / Women / Women's Rights / Womens health