Abstract

This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.

The in-vitro fertilization (IVF) technology has been in use in Poland for over 20 years, with success and social approval. However, in 2007 a vehement debate on moral, legal, and economic aspects of applying this technology of assisted procreation broke out. This was related to the gaps in Polish legislation lacking the regulations concerning the IVF, especially concerning the coverage by the public health-care system. Moreover, the Catholic voices demanding prohibition of the IVF had been multiplying and intensifying. The article follows this debate, investigates the discursive strategies employed to oppose IVF, and analyses different positions, especially the argumentation of the opponents, and the narratives by those who struggle with infertility.

Keywords

in-vitro fertilization, Frankenstein, the Catholic Church, reproductive rights, Poland

Publisher Notes

• This article was previously published by Museum Tusculanum Press.