Policy Press

Biomedical Innovation in Fertility Care

Evidence Challenges, Commercialization, and the Market for Hope

By Manuela Perrotta

Published

Jul 16, 2024

Page count

196 pages

ISBN

978-1529236743

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 16, 2024

Page count

196 pages

ISBN

978-1529236750

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Biomedical Innovation in Fertility Care
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Available Open Access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

This book presents an in-depth analysis of the complex and often controversial world of fertility care.

Drawing on extensive ethnographic research and interviews with patients and professionals, the book critically examines the tensions between evidence-based medicine and the demands of an increasingly commercialized fertility care industry. It sheds light on controversial "add-on" treatments, and an emerging hope market.

With its interdisciplinary approach, this is an essential resource for readers in the fields of science and technology studies and medical sociology.

“This is a timely intervention from one of the most important contemporary analysts of the market for fertility services. Perrotta offers a compelling account of why and how they need to be better regulated, as well as what the failure to do so reveals about wider patterns of biomedical innovation.” Sarah Franklin, University of Cambridge

Manuela Perrotta is Reader in Technology and Organisation in the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary, University of London.

Introduction: Biomedical Innovation in Fertility Care

1. What are Fertility Treatment Add-ons?

2. Evidence Challenges in Fertility Care

3. The Fertility Market: Help, Hype, and Hope

4. Regulating The Hope Market

Conclusion: Fostering Responsible Innovation in Fertility Care

Appendix: Methodology Notes