Allison, J. Motherhood and Infertility in Ireland: Understanding the Presence of Absence. Cork: Cork University Press. 2013. €39.00 256pp. ISBN 978–1782–05003–2 (hbk)

Abstract

Interestingly, the primary research underpinning this book was carried out in Ireland. Particularly in recent years, Ireland has had extensive media coverage, of which historical revelations on paedophilia, the abuse of women and the systematic denial of basic human rights on the part of both the church and the state provide just a few examples. From my recent small-scale research into abortion in Ireland and, as an Irish woman who grew up in the North, this book immediately drew my attention. There are numerous reproductive health issues that need to be addressed in Ireland at present and this book has a part to play in moving this debate forward. This book provides a distinguished contribution to the ever-increasing body of academic literature addressing reproductive health and inequality. As opposed to focusing on presenting empirical data in isolation Allison begins to address the moral discourses surrounding fertility, exploring the social, institutional and political challenges posed by infertility treatment in Ireland. Essentially, this publication provides a comprehensive and contextualised analysis of the lived experience of infertility in Ireland. Beginning with an overview of fertility in the Irish context, Allison goes on to create a sound historical base from which to move forward, specifically analysing the Irish Constitution (1937) and its definition of the unborn child from both scientific and theological standpoints. The concepts of fertility and infertility are placed in the socioeconomic context of Ireland and the overarching power struggles between nature, medicine, politics and religion. In exploring this further, the root causes of women's oppression in Ireland become apparent, and Allison explores feminist debates surrounding subjectivity and what she terms the collapsing subject position of ‘women’ and ‘mother’ in Irish society. Focusing on the ideal of motherhood identity in Ireland, Allison proceeds to highlight the assumptions and hetero-normative gender roles imposed on Irish women by the state, church and society as a whole. A detailed account follows of the clinical procedures, guidelines and scientific advancements in in vitro fertilisation and assisted reproductive technology treatment, illustrated with several personal narratives of infertility and its challenges. These narratives provide invaluable substance and bring the book to life. Allison explores the many contrasting lived experiences of infertility in single men and women and in heterosexual and homosexual couples. This broad range of experience is what adds great depth to this book and persuades the reader to accept this as a real and pertinent issue. In delving deeper into these experiences, class-based narratives begin to emerge and the stark contrast becomes apparent between those who can afford assisted reproductive healthcare and those who are excluded, because of their low income. Allison's book contributes significantly to the current wave of change sweeping across Ireland. It brings to the forefront experiences that, until recently, have very much existed only in underground movements and shrouded in secrecy and shame. This exploration of the public–private split brings to light the very real situation experienced by those faced with infertility and possible treatment options in the complex and shifting backdrop provided by Irish society. Those experiencing these issues at first hand are often caught between the conflicting public definition of infertility as unnatural and shameful and their own private construction of the process they need to take so as to fulfil their desires to start a family and have children of their own. In seeking to highlight the oppression faced by a range of infertile couples in Ireland, Allison raises profound debates in an engaging and thought-provoking way, allowing the reader to develop a critical understanding of these complex issues. This is invaluable reading for anyone studying this field, especially those interested in exploring the deep-rooted and intertwined influence imposed by the state and church on Irish society. The focus on the structural elements of oppression, as opposed to an individualistic analysis, allows the hetero-normative definition of family life in Ireland to be scrutinised. The struggle for equality and self-determination of reproductive rights for women has always been at the cutting edge of social change and it is a crucial component in the fight for equal rights across society as a whole. The significance of this book is that it re-asserts the need to engage more openly in public dialogue on the issue of fertility and infertility in Ireland and this analysis can, in turn, be employed to inform, influence and potentially reshape current political ambiguity. This book provides an important contribution to the field and I would thoroughly recommend it to students, practitioners and academics alike.