Patient-Centred IVF (eBook)

Trudie Gerrits is Assistant Professor in the Anthropology Department at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), Netherlands, where she is co-director of the Masters in Medical Anthropology and Sociology (MAS).

Acknowledgements
Abbreviations

Introduction


Medicalization and Persistence

Patient-Centred Medicine

Outline of the Book



Chapter 1. Studying ARTs: Theory, Context, the Clinic and Methods    


Understanding the Use of ARTs

Dutch Context – Families, Children and Childlessness

The Radboud Clinic

The Study


Chapter 2. ‘Dutch IVF’. Legislation, Guidelines and Health Insurances


Legislation and Guidelines

Health Insurance Coverage

Conclusion


Chapter 3. The Couples and their Quest for a Child


Social and Demographic Characteristics

Facing Fertility Problems: Diverse Points of Departure

Couples’ Quest for a Child: the Process

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Adoption as a Last Resort

Conclusion


Chapter 4. Daily Practices in the Patient-Centred Clinic


Interpersonal Aspects of Care

Privacy (or Not)

Abundant Information

Psycho-Social Support and Empathy

Decision Making – Multiple  Dynamics

Conclusion


Chapter 5. Information and Interpretation. Risks and Rates


IVF Success Rates: What Do They Tell Us?

Risks: Facts and Perceptions

Beyond Facts – Uncertainty and Trust

Conclusion


Chapter 6. The Body and Visualizing Technologies


Gaining Insight in the Reproductive Body and its Flaws

Visualization of Reproduction through IVF

Case: Louise’s Diary

Trying Once More? Compelling Technology

Conclusion


Chapter 7. Gendered Suffering and Support


The Gendered and Unequal Burdens of IVF

Sharing the Grief of Loss after IVF

Essentializing Genetics and Gender Dynamics

Conclusion


Chapter 8. Bioethics in Practice


Multi-Disciplinary Ethics Meeting

Case: Woman Carrier of a Cancer Gene

Concerns in Context

Addressing Ethically Sensitive Requests

Conclusion


Chapter 9. Conclusion


Dutch IVF

Bioethics in Practice

Patient-Centred Practices

Gender Inequality and the Imperative of Genetics

Final Thoughts: Implications for the Field and Future Research


Appendices

Appendix I: Methods
Appendix II: Social and Demographic Background Data Of Study  Participants
Appendix III: Patients’ or Couples’ Characteristics or Situations Leading to Concerns among Clinic Staff and their Reasons for Withholding Treatment

Glossary
Reference list
Index