NEW DELHI: Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) have negative implications on the lives of women in terms of furthering their subjugation in society, increasing pressure towards motherhood, and their exploitation by way of monetary incentives for selling or renting reproductive "raw material'' such as ova and uteri, according to a study carried out by Sama — Resource Group for Women and Health, a Delhi-based voluntary organisation.

Based on interactions with ART providers, women undergoing procedures and activists from various social movements across the country between 2004 and 2006, the study suggests that the issue had not been adequately addressed in the Indian context, and there was a need to initiate a public debate on it.

Ethical dilemma

The ethical dilemma with ARTs also came to light in the face of incomplete information provided to women prior to and during the `treatment.' Absence of informed consent was another important facet. All this becomes even more troublesome and cause for concern in the face of the fact that India does not have a legally binding regulatory mechanism in place and requires immediate attention as the "Assisted Reproductive Technologies Regulation 2005'' is expected to be tabled in Parliament shortly, the study points out.

Intrusions

Intrusions into and experimental invasion of the female body by these technologies is spoken in terms of "treatments'' and "cures'' that a woman can "choose'' from a basket of existing options. Extracting and keeping the ovaries alive and "mining'' them for eggs is presented as a boon to women, the study says. However, these procedures are both physically painful and psychologically, emotionally stressful, but there seems no escape since technology is the "promised'' instrumental manipulation that will coax woman's bodies into reproductive performance, it says.

The development and proliferation of these technologies depend on the social imperative to have a biologically-related child. This social pressure may not be obvious, though women without children are blamed for their status, and ridiculed, abused and isolated socially, and often face desertion. Adoption is not seen as an option.

Skewed reality

The research also revealed an entire industry that cashes in on women's vulnerability and the social pressure to have a biological child at any cost. Thus information provided on diagnosis, the process of "treatment,'' success rates and side-effects is distorted to portray these technologies in good light. Media coverage of ARTs as medical breakthroughs — downplaying the associated risks and uncertainties — also adds to this picture, presenting a skewed reality. Glamorising of this industry is clearly an attempt to market it.

Piecemeal information

Further, the information provided to women is in a piecemeal manner and only comes as and when the procedure fails.

The research adds that though the formulation of guidelines by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has been a step towards checking the growing commercialisation of techniques, these are not without limitations as there is no attempt to systematically bring out the implementation and strategies to monitor and supervise these ART clinics. The guidelines should also take cognisance of the unequal gender relationships, and ensure that the rights of women using these technologies are not compromised in any manner, the study suggests.

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