Student Corner
Assisted reproductive technology: A dilemma for the nursing profession
Chris Spencer
Post-registration student, Bachelor of Nursing, University of South Australia, SA
PP: 174 - 177
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technology, despite poor outcomes in the treatment of infertility, is poised to take on a new supplementary role to genetic engineering. As an extreme example of medical/reductionist philosophy it is diametrically opposed to the emerging commitment to holism within the nursing profession.
Nurses in Australia have been noticeably absent from the debate, research and decision making that has occurred about this technology, yet the implications for professional practice are far-reaching.
Keywords
reproduction techniques, technology, medical, feminism
References
Allars M (1994) Report of the inquiry into the use of pituitary derived hormones in Australia and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
Hagell E (1993) Reproductive technologies and court ordered obstetrical interventions: The need for a feminist voice in nursing. Healthcare for Women International 14: 77-86.
Horton R (1995) Male reproductive health and environmental oestrogens. Lancet 345(15): 933-935.
James C (1992) The nursing role in assisted reproductive technology. NAACOG's Clinical Issues in Perinatal and Women's Health Nursing 3(2): 328-334.
Jones S (1994a) Genetic-based and assisted reproductive technology of the 21st Century. Journal of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing February 23(2): 160-165.
Jones S (1994b) Assisted reproductive technologies: Genetic and nursing implications. Journal of Obstetric and Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing July-August 23(6): 492-497.
Khalidi N (1989) Aboriginal mortality in Central Australia, 1975-77 to 1984-86: A comparative analysis of levels and trends. Working paper number 1. National Centre for Epidemiological and Population Health. ANU, Canberra.
Koval R (1986) Manufacturing babies: What reproductive technologies mean to women. National Women's Consultative Council, Canberra.
Olshansky E (1992) Redefining the concepts of success and failure in fertility treatment. Clinical Issues in Perinatal and Women's Health Nursing 3(2): 343-346.
SA Council on Reproductive Health (1992) Report to the Minister of Health. Government Publication, South Australia.
Sandelowski M (1988) A case of conflicting paradigms: Nursing and reproductive technology. Advances in Nursing Science 10(3): 35-45.
Sisterwrite (undated) Reproductive wrongs: Male power and the new reproductive technologies. Sisterwrite Publications, London.
eContent Home
