How governments regulate reproduction

Reproduction remains on political agendas while sexualities, relationships and living arrangements have diversified. In the new edited volume "Reproduction Policy in the Twenty-First Century. A Comparative Analysis", Hannah Zagel brings together new research on various aspects of reproduction policy, including sex education, contraception, abortion, pregnancy care, and medically assisted reproduction. 

There are many historical examples of state regulation of reproduction – from eugenic forced sterilization, one-child policies to restrictive abortion laws – that limit and inhibit people’s autonomy to decide on their own for or against pregnancy and procreation, and to what extent. Because reproductive policies vary widely around the world and are increasingly influenced by social norms and inequalities, people's life courses can still be strongly shaped by these policies. For this reason, WZB sociologist Hannah Zagel argues for a comparative analysis.

Contributions by several other WZB researchers working on reproduction in the research group "Varieties of reproduction regimes" led by Hannah Zagel, include the ways in which German states diffuse responsibility for providing knowledge about sexuality and reproduction (Anna E. Kluge), how public attitudes and reproduction policy are connected (Rohan Khan) or how the regulation of specific procedures such as multifetal pregnancy reduction differs by country (Mio Tamakoshi).

The publication examines the role of government in matters of human reproduction through multidisciplinary approach, integrating perspectives from sociology, law, political science, and demography, providing cross-country and cross-policy comparisons that uncover the connections and contradictions between different ideologies, policy goals, and instruments in this area. It also highlights the need for further comparative research to advance the understanding of reproduction policy prioritizing reproductive welfare for everyone.

5/12/24, KK