Pharmaceuticalisation and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Sociological Perspective"

The intersection of pharmaceuticalisation and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) represents a growing area of interest within medical sociology, raising important questions about the medicalisation of reproduction and the role of pharmaceuticals in shaping reproductive experiences. This paper explores how ART, heavily reliant on pharmaceutical interventions such as hormone treatments and fertility drugs, reflects broader trends of pharmaceuticalisation in healthcare. Drawing on sociological theories of medicalisation and biopolitics, the presentation examines the implications of pharmaceutical dominance in ART, including its effects on women's bodies, the commodification of reproduction, and the social pressures faced by individuals undergoing fertility treatments. Additionally, the paper investigates the ethical concerns and power dynamics involved in the promotion and consumption of fertility drugs, alongside the role of pharmaceutical companies in influencing ART practices and policies. By critically assessing the impact of pharmaceuticalisation on reproductive health, this study seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of how medical technologies shape personal, social, and cultural experiences of reproduction in contemporary society. The paper invites discussion on the broader societal consequences of these interventions and calls for more nuanced approaches to healthcare that consider both the benefits and the complexities of pharmaceutical reliance in reproductive technologies.