TIMEGG · TIMING FERTILIY- A Comparative Analysis of Time Constructions and the Social Practice of Egg-Freezing in Germany and Israel

TIMING FERTILIY- A Comparative Analysis of Time Constructions and the Social Practice of Egg-Freezing in Germany and Israel

"A new concept of “Social Egg Freezing” (SEF) has been introduced in the 2000s. It was made possible by new advancements in reproductive medicine such as vitrification (fast freezing). Healthy women are now given the possibility to cryopreserve their oocytes to prolong their fertility. This practice has triggered ongoing academic and public debates on its social and ethical implications. This project analyzed and extended our understanding of the concept of ""freezing"" while employing the analytical prism of 'sociology of time'. My research examined the interplay of culture and bioethics in an interdisciplinary and empirical manner by comparing experts' and lay positions in Germany and Israel. This cross-cultural juxtaposition is especially promising since the German regulatory and legal framework regarding new reproductive technologies is rather restrictive, while the Israeli regulation has been identified as extremely permissive. Objectives a. In-depth socio-empirical analysis of the meaning given to ‘time’ in the context of reproductive medicine b. A dual comparative analysis of such time meanings by comparing two national contexts as well as experts and lay ethics c. Sociological and ethical theorization of the time-dimension for the relationship of reproduction, labor and gender Conclusion While SEF is highly controversial among experts in both countries, the nature of the controversy varies while highlighting cross-cultural difference regarding perception of appropriate reproductive timing. Those findings contribute to the analysis of reproduction from a life-course perspective. Several experts raised concerns regarding the potential usage of SEF as a mean for solving gendered time conflicts in the context of the labor market. Such a usage can be theoretically discussed in relation to the concepts of “clinical labor”. The motivations of SEF users can be classified along three types: postponing motherhood (German users); singlehood and waiting for the right partner (Israeli and German users); and long-term planning (Israeli religious users). Theorization of relevant temporality formations include the “extended present”, “waiting” and “reproductive futurism” respectively."

Data: CORDIS, © European Union