Reproductive Technologies and Female Bio-Capital: Medicines, Nutraceuticals and Ambivalence between Naturalness and Artificiality.

Reproductive technologies provide a particular context for exploring the complex relationship between what is natural and what is artificial (Strazzeri, 2016).This breakdown of the symmetry between natural and artificial, has consequently the redefinition of the concepts of parenthood and identity. Reproductive technologies have helped to challenge the traditional symmetry between natural and artificial in the context of reproduction, making it possible to conceive and carry a pregnancy under conditions that go beyond natural biological processes. Similarly, abuses inherent to obstetrical violence, which appear naturalized by medical practice, appear to be accepted within society (Strazzeri, 2020). In addition, there are increasing questions regarding the commercialization and merchandising of women’s bodies, especially through the less conspicuous pharmaceutical technologies (coenzymes, nutraceuticals to improve fertility), which shape and influence women’s experiences. It is a matter of investigating and analyzing how medical and pharmaceutical technologies influence reproductive autonomy and increase aesthetic capitalism, power dynamics in the sphere of maternity (Fertility Day) and the commercialization of women’s bodies also through the intake of products perceived as natural and which are classified as integrative but synthetic cures. A case in point are homeopathic cures or medicines, which are often abused, without possessing a basic knowledge. These are just some of the possible uses and abuses of technologies, medicines and the market related to women’s bio-capital (Cooper, Waldby 2014, Corradi 2023), which can affect women’s lives and generate insecurities about generative capacity and fertility is reduced to a commodity. The aim of this work is to determine what relationships exist not only between medicalization, new technologies and nutraceuticals in the pharmaceutical field - and how they shape the decision-making capacities of all those involved in the process of motherhood - but to understand the decision-making processes behind the choices that reiterate the concept of obstetrical abuse and violence.