Birds, meat, and babies: the multiple realities of fetuses in Qatar

Abstract

This paper explores miscarriage in a variety of Qatari contexts to reveal the multiple realities of the unborn. During 18 months of ethnographic research, a range of settings in which fetuses emerged were explored. The unborn are represented and imagined differently, particularly in relation to the ways they are located, with multiple beings emerging according to the context and position of the stakeholder. This paper considers fetuses produced within these contexts and considers how they can be different beings simultaneously. The paper reveals how categories meant to define these beings are in flux and are constantly negotiated; it reflects moments of ambiguity. The paper serves as an illustration of the way in which value-afforded pregnancy materials affects the contexts in which they emerge; this then loops back as context dictates the significance of the material, hence multiple realities of these beings.

Islam, Culture, and Reprogenetics: Implementation of Genetic and Reproductive Technologies in Qatar

“…Some cases, however, are allowed under medical necessity, especially when continuation of pregnancy represents significant risk for the mother’s life. Other examples include termination of pregnancy in case the fetus is severely deformed (Kilshaw 2017, 192). According to one consultant: “Some families may decide that they want to look after the baby – then they will leave it to the couple if there is no immediate risk to the mother.” One of the most important criteria that Muslim jurists discuss in debates over abortion is the time of ensoulment, which marks the beginning of human personhood.…”