Prologue

1. Introduction

1.1. The global demand for new reproductive technologies.

1.2. Demography and Epidemiology -Infertility is a global health issue affecting millions worldwide. -29.4-44 million people affected are muslims. -high rates of second infertility is due to tubal infertility.

1.3. Infectious infertility due to 4 factors- 1) sexually transmitted infections 2) postpartum complications 3) postabortive complications 4) unhygienic health care practices

1.4. Male infertility- 1) oligiosperma (low sperm count) 2) asthenospermia (poor motility) 3) teratospermia (defects of sperm morphology 4) azoospermia (lack of sperm to ejaculate)

1.5. Fertility-Infertility Dialectic and Pronatalism -Fear of hormonal contraceptions because they are thought to cause infertility -so more women decide to use IUD, and are responsible for high rates of secondary infertility

1.6. Reasons for having children 1)Social security desires 2)social power desires 3)social perpetuity desires

1.7. Adoption restrictions -westerners see adoption as a "natural" solution to childlessness -under Islamic law there are certain rules against adoption

1.8. Cultural anxieties against adoption in Egypt based on following fears 1)Illegitimate children 2)birth parents whom will reclaim the child 3)emotional affinity between adoptive parents and children won't occur 4)erotic attraction between parents and children or birth children and adoptive children 5)adoptive children will be stignatized in the community 6)adoptive parents will be stigmatized for unabling producing 7)adopted children do not have legitimate rights 8)adoption is thought to not be available to the poor

1.9. Health Care Seeking

1.10. Most gynecology visits are for infertility. Some people may seek traditional healers.

1.11. The Local in the Global

1.12. economic barriers exist between infertile couples and their ability to conceive.

1.13. Local Actors in Moral Worlds

1.14. Words from the author explaininng when she mentions the Egyptians in her ethnography, she adds what doctors also have to say. Moral words pertains to the morality of new reproductive technologies.

2. Amira -40 years old, (reproductively "elderly" + infertile husband)

3. At 18 years of age, unsuccesful marriage.Abortion 4 times.

4. In second marriage has an infertile husband. Thought to be a punishment from God for her previous abortions and divorce.

5. Tried IVF and ICSI six times. Very expensive (+$30,000). Gambling game.

6. HOPE- Finally able to tansfer a single embryo into Amira's womb.

7. RESIGNATION- after the 6th attempt another missed conception. Amira stopped being a patient of Dr. Yahir, and tried to live a normal life.

8. Emad and Amira don't have a support group. Emad- emasculating problem, Amira- previous abortions