Reproductive Futures

From the stork to the invention of the microscope, the ‘birds and the bees’ to IVF—how will these stories evolve as our methods of reproduction become increasingly more diversified? The creation of artificial gametes from stem cells or somatic cells has the potential to fundamentally change the way we perceive parenthood and reproduction. Sperm and eggs could be created from anyone’s cells, regardless of age, gender or sexuality.

Our view of parenthood and childhood is created and propagated partly through the stories we tell to children. The cultural narrative of ‘the family’ is embedded and continuously reinforced through a diverse range of narratives and even objects we have in the home. All of these artifacts help children define their sense of knowing where they came from. This project investigates how scientific and technological developments influence historical stories and narratives, explaining ‘where we come from’. This multidisciplinary project aims to create the space for a broader discussion on artificial reproductive technologies (ART). By exploring new reproductive scenarios, we can engage people in the possibilities these advances present, in a non-judgmental way that avoids polarising points of view. (With Dr Anna Smajdor)

Science Gallery
wmmna

Illustration by Matt Saunders