Medical Technology Assessment: A useful occupation or useless diversion?

Abstract

Medical technology assessment (MTA) has developed as an instrument for exercising political and social control over existing as well as future medical treatments. On the national and international levels, MTA has broken from mainstream technology assessment and been established as separate agencies and committees. These MTA activities have increasingly come under the administration and control of the medical profession. This article introduces a brief description of the overall problems with MTA as it is practised today. Building on women and technology studies, an argument is made for a critical feminist approach. To become an effective tool for a democratic society and women's liberation, it is proposed that MTA address the consequences of technology in the context of women's everyday life—this includes the realities of dominance, control, knowledge interests, and conflicting values, which are the essence of gender analysis. An attempt is made to establish basic criteria for a critical feminist approach to MTA.