Book dossier

Motherhood, rescheduled

by Sarah Elizabeth Richards

"What would happen if we could stop time? A fascinating, inside look at five women who had their eggs frozen reveals what it's like for them to be free of the constant ticking of their biological clocks.Recently, several American fertility clinics announced that their pregnancy rates using frozen eggs are improving dramatically, nearly approaching the success rate they have with "fresh eggs." For the first time, women may have a real opportunity to turn back their biological clocks by freezing eggs while they're viable and implanting them years later. Critics are concerned that an entire generation of women will unwisely put their faith in an unreliable science and delay trying to get pregnant until it is too late. Stories and arguments from both sides of the fence are rampant--the bottom line is that the debate is here to stay. Sidestepping the issues of infertility and its treatment, Motherhood, Rescheduled is an in-depth, sociological exploration of five women who freeze their eggs for future use in getting pregnant. Each woman decides to postpone pregnancy for a different reason, but many similar themes emerge from their stories that speak to the overall impact of this new advancement in fertility treatment. Showcasing the fascinating and complicated history behind egg freezing, as well as medical rivalries, professional sabotage, commercial greed, and the race for research, this book explores the intrigues and ramifications science and ethics will undoubtedly have on our very near future"-- "Motherhood, Rescheduled is the first account of what happens to women after they freeze their eggs. Do they benefit from extra time? Do they make better decisions about men? Finally, do their frozen eggs help them have babies years later when their natural fertility is gone? Richards tackles these questions while examining the controversial science and social consequences of older motherhood"--