Gender dynamics in the donation field: human tissue donation for research, therapy and feeding.

Julie Kent,Sally Dowling,Maria Fannin

doi:10.1111/1467-9566.12803

Abstract

This paper examines how gender dynamics shape human tissue donation for research and for human health. Drawing on research investigating the donation of different types of bodily tissues including blood, plasma, breastmilk, cord blood, foetal tissue and placentae we consider how and why women and men are viewed as different kinds of donors. We situate these donation practices within a broader understanding of gender difference to explain why any sociology of donation needs to take account of gender. In so doing we explore how tissue derived from the bodies of women acquires value in distinctive ways and for distinctive purposes and reasons. Within these gendered bioeconomies of donation, the supply and demand for tissue is structured by social understandings of maternity, parental responsibility, and risk, which in turn affect the experiences of donors.

Highlights

The donation of human tissue is often associated with notions of altruism, with giving without expectation of immediate return, and with care
In this article our focus is on how examining donation through the analytical lens of gender is important for understanding the ethical valuations and notions of risk associated with donation and with donated materials
We examine how gendered expectations and norms surrounding the donation of aborted foetal tissue, placental tissue, umbilical cord blood, breastmilk and blood shape the value of these donated tissues

Summary

Introduction

The donation of human tissue is often associated with notions of altruism, with giving without expectation of immediate return, and with care. We examine how gendered expectations and norms surrounding the donation of aborted foetal tissue, placental tissue, umbilical cord blood, breastmilk and blood shape the value of these donated tissues (we use this term to include cellular materials, organs, fluids, and gametes).

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