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Secrecy Still the Best Policy: Donor Insemination in Cameroon

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 May 2016

O. M. Njikam Savage*
Affiliation:
University of Douala, Cameroon
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Extract

In their recent PLS article, Ken R. Daniels and Karyn Taylor (1993) advocate policies of openness in regard to donor insemination (DI). In this commentary, I examine openness within the social context of fertility, infertility, human reproduction, and social parenthood in Cameroon. The traditional concept of secrecy in reproductive failure, especially in the case of male infertility, is outlined. Some of the social alternatives, such as natural insemination and social parenthood, are discussed. The inappropriateness of openness in DI within a sociocultural milieu that places a high premium on male reproductive ability is highlighted.

Type
Continuing Dialogue: Donor Insemination
Copyright
Copyright © Association for Politics and the Life Sciences 

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References

Daniels, K.R. and Taylor, K. (1993). “Secrecy and Openness in Donor Insemination.” Politics and the Life Sciences 12:155–70.Google Scholar
Haimes, E. (1993). “Secrecy and Openness in Donor Insemination: A Sociological Comment on Daniels and Taylor.” Politics and the Life Sciences 12:178–79.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Njikam Savage, O.M. (1991). “Some Socio-Cultural and Behavioural Aspects of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and Infertility in Cameroon.” University Annals of Medical Sciences. Yaounde, Cameroon: Center for Medical and Health Sciences.Google Scholar
Njikam Savage, O.M. (1992). “Artificial Donor Insemination in Yaounde: Some Socio-Cultural Considerations.” Social Science and Medicine 35:905–14.Google Scholar
Snowden, R. (1993). “Sharing Information about Dl in the UK.” Politics and the Life Sciences 12:194–95.CrossRefGoogle Scholar