Globalisation of Birth Markets: A Case Study of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in India
Author Information
Author(s): Sarojini Nadimpally, Marwah Vrinda, Shenoi Anjali
Primary Institution: Sama-Resource Group for Women and Health
Hypothesis
The study explores the impact of globalisation and privatisation on the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) industry in India.
Conclusion
The ART industry in India is rapidly growing, driven by market forces and the commodification of reproductive technologies, raising ethical concerns and highlighting inequalities.
Supporting Evidence
- The ART industry in India is projected to be worth $1-2 billion by 2012.
- India has become a major hub for medical tourism, particularly in ART services.
- Over 30,000 ART clinics are estimated to operate in India, with significant growth in smaller towns.
- Success rates quoted by clinics are often inflated and misleading.
- Women face societal pressure to become mothers, which drives demand for ART services.
Takeaway
This study looks at how the baby-making business in India is growing because of global trends, but it also shows that this can lead to unfair practices and exploitation.
Methodology
The research involved qualitative methods including in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions with ART providers and women users.
Potential Biases
The study highlights potential biases in the ART industry, including inflated success rates and lack of standardization in treatment protocols.
Limitations
The study lacks comprehensive statistics on the number of ART clinics and surrogacies due to the absence of a national registry.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 43 ART providers and 86 women users undergoing various ART procedures across three Indian states.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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