Gender, Infertility, Motherhood, and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Turkey

Abstract

In Turkey, as in many other countries, infertility is generally regarded as a negative phenomenon in a woman's life and is associated with a lot of stigma by society. In other words, female infertility and having a baby using Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have to be taken into consideration with respect to gender motherhood, social factors, religion and law. Yet if a woman chooses to use ART she has to deal with the consequences of her decision, such as being ostracized by society. Other types of procedures in this area, such as sperm and ova donation or surrogate motherhood, are not permitted in law. However; both before and after the development of this techonology, society has been finding its own solutions which are rarely questioned and are still performed This article will discuss what these practices are and try to reach some pragmatic conclusions concerning female infertility, the concept of motherhood and some traditional practices in Turkey.

The social and psychological consequences of women getting pregnant with fertility treatment: A qualitative study

“…In the practice of having a co-wife, two women and one man live together under the same roof. 23 This tradition is more common in couples living with their families, especially because of the pressure exerted by the husband's family on the first wife. A substantial minority of infertile couples also find that infertility brings them closer together and strengthens their relationship.…”

“…and "mother" are used synonymously. 18,23 The importance of the value given to mothers in society was emphasized by some of the participants mentioning the privileged treatment they received and the fact that they felt more comfortable in society after conception.…”