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Reproductive Technologies and Women: What's Love Got to Do With It?

July 15, 2005
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The Childbirth Center at Duke Health Raleigh Hospital currently runs an advertisement likening itself to a boutique.  The silhouette of a size-4-ish woman looks in a window of a brightly hued shop; three fashionable frocks hang on mannequins.  The bold print reads: “finally, a childbirth center that’s as stylish as you are.”  The smaller print continues, “In the world of hospital birthing centers, consider us the smart little boutique where you always find the latest thing (exactly in your size.)”  The last line concludes: “Just the place to find something perfect to take home with you.”  The Center’s motto, “When You’re Ready, We Are,” further brings the point home – motherhood on my time and according to my needs, desires, and expectations.  How might the Christian witness of motherhood differ?  By considering the book of Ruth and the writings of Julian of Norwich, Dr. Hall will suggest that women may risk a love that is open to unexpected and unanticipated life.  Drawing from her research on the marketing of impeccably planned reproduction in the United States, Hall will suggest that such a love will require individual courage and redoubled ecclesial support.

Keywords:
eugenics, children