Infertility Lies

A more complete picture of how procreation and childlessness are depicted in the Bible In the Book of Genesis, the first words God speaks to humanity are "Be fruitful and multiply." From ancient times to today, these words have been understood as a divine command to procreate. Fertility is viewed as a sign of blessedness and moral uprightness, while infertility is associated with sin and moral failing. Reconceiving Infertility explores traditional interpretations such as these, providing a more complete picture of how procreation and childlessness are depicted in the Bible. Closely examining texts and themes from both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, Candida Moss and Joel Baden offer vital new perspectives on infertility and the social experiences of the infertile in the biblical tradition. They begin with perhaps the most famous stories of infertility in the Bible—those of the matriarchs Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel—and show how the divine injunction in Genesis is both a blessing and a curse. Moss and Baden go on to discuss the metaphorical treatments of Israel as a "barren mother," the conception of Jesus, Paul's writings on family and reproduction, and more. They reveal how biblical views on procreation and infertility, and the ancient contexts from which they emerged, were more diverse than we think. Reconceiving Infertility demonstrates that the Bible speaks in many voices about infertility, and lays a biblical foundation for a more supportive religious environment for those suffering from infertility today.

An engaging guide to navigating the challenges of infertility. After seven years of tests and more tests, treatments and more treatments, Elizabeth Swire-Falker understands what it means to struggle with infertility. In this frank, reassuring, and thoroughly researched handbook, she shares her own personal experience and offers insight into what challenges to expect along the way-from getting support to finding the right doctor to dealing with insurance.

The International Federation of Fertility Societies XI World Congress on Fertility and Sterility took place in Ireland at the Royal Dublin Society from the 26th June-1st July, 1983. Some 1900 delegates repre senting 54 countries attended the social and scientific programme in glorious weather that showed off the unsurpassable rare beauty of Dublin and Ireland, so often hidden in mist and rain. The book begins with the full inaugural address to the Conference by Dr A. Kessler, Head of the WHO Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction. It then records scientific contributions presented in the main themes of the Congress, followed by synopses of deliberations from workshops held during the course of the meeting. Papers from four special symposia are included, which acknowledge the debt IFFS Dublin '83 owes the World Health Organization and our colleagues in the pharmaceutical industry. The large number and excellent standard of the related communications is such that they deserve publication in separate appropriate volumes. These are already in preparation.

A candid assessment of the pros and cons of delayed motherhood. Biology does not bend to feminist ideals and science does not work miracles. That is the message of this eye-opening discussion of the consequences of delayed motherhood. Part personal account, part manifesto, Selvaratnam recounts her emotional journey through multiple miscarriages after the age of 37. Her doctor told her she still "had time," but Selvaratnam found little reliable and often conflicting information about a mature woman's biological ability (or inability) to conceive. Beyond her personal story, the author speaks to women in similar situations around the country, as well as fertility doctors, adoption counselors, reproductive health professionals, celebrities, feminists, journalists, and sociologists. Through in-depth reporting and her own experience, Selvaratnam urges more widespread education and open discussion about delayed motherhood in the hope that long-lasting solutions can take effect. The result is a book full of valuable information that will enable women to make smarter choices about their reproductive futures and to strike a more realistic balance between science, society and personal goals.

This book is intended for nurses and midwives who work in Assisted Reproduction clinics and those who either work in, or have an interest in womenOCOs health. The number of IVF births is increasing steadily as a percentage of all births and therefore infertility may be said to be increasingly influential in womenOCOs health nursing and midwifery. The sense of connectedness which women caring for women express and as the data in this book show, women patients feel that there is something special about being cared for by female nurses and midwives. The emotions raised in clinical practice for nurses and midwives from caring for women need attention and discussion and this book is intended to contribute to a greater awareness of emotions in clinical practice even in a busy NHS. Indeed, paying attention to emotions when you are busy may help you understand and deal with the business. This book is intended for practicing nurses and midwives and therefore each chapter ends with a reflection from the author on the implications of the data for practice and an opportunity for the reader to reflect on their practice too."

In spite of the fact that almost eighty percent of all IVF cycles are unsuccessful, the dominant representations of the technology are of its success. Based on extensive interviews with women and couples who have undergone IVF unsuccessfully and who have since stopped treatment, and taking an overtly feminist approach, the book explores the ways in which IVF failure is experienced and accounted for. The book argues that IVF failure and the end of treatment have to be carefully managed over time in order to construct the self as 'normal' in the profoundly gendered context of reproductive normativity. Treatment failure is identified in the book not only as a central, but largely excluded, aspect of the experience of IVF, but also of a proliferating range of new, more controversial reproductive and genetic technologies.

Infertility is a heartbreaking condition that affects nine million American couples each year. It causes tremendous stress, can trigger debilitating sadness and depression, and can tear a marriage to shreds. In Conquering Infertility, Harvard psychologist Alice Domar—whom Vogue calls the “Fertility Goddess”—provides infertile couples with what they need most: stress relief, support, and hope. Using the innovative mind/body techniques she has perfected at her clinic, Domar helps infertile women not only regain control over their lives but also boost their chances of becoming pregnant. With Conquering Infertility, women learn how to cope with infertility in a much more positive way and to carve a path toward a rich, full, happy life.