Managing Infertility in Contemporary Africa
From Stigma and Discrimination to Critical Social Problems Urging Public Solutions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22183016 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jakub Kościółek (0000-0001-8434-2574, Jagiellonian University), Adam Bulandra (American Bar Association) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 2(18) |
| Pages | 96-123 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-30 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Intercultural Relations (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2544-2139 • E-ISSN: 2544-2546 |
| Publisher | Ksiegarnia Akademicka Sp. z.o.o (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.12797/rm.02.2025.18.05 |
| OpenAlex | W7117556935 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 41 |
This article raises the question of whether contemporary legal mechanisms in Africa can effectively address infertility issues. In particular, the relationships between international legal norms and their impact on the erosion of customary law and the changing perception of infertility are discussed. It highlights the multifaceted challenges posed by infertility, which have significant social, cultural and health implications, particularly for women. Legal responses to infertility are shaped by deep-rooted traditions and legal pluralism, with increasing influence from international law. However, cultural resistance and traditional norms hinder the effectiveness of legal interventions. Public health policies related to infertility are limited, leading individuals to seek alternative practices such as witchcraft and herbalism due to constrained access to assisted reproductive technology. The article emphasises the need for comprehensive reforms and increased visibility of infertility issues on national and international agendas. It suggests that legal reforms and greater attention to law as a regulatory instrument may facilitate the development of effective strategies to address infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa and combat culturally and traditionally rooted biases and discrimination against women
Cultural issues · Health law · Infertility · Legislation · Perception · Public health · Reproductive health · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · Land Rights and Reforms · Reproductive Health and Technologies
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Culture Religion and Infertility
Narratives of Women with Infertility Who Use Indigenous Practices to Conceive, North West Province, South Africa
Attitudes towards infertility
Fertility decline in sub-Saharan Africa
Women and infertility in Sub-Saharan Africa
Trends in Age at Marriage and the Onset of Fertility Transition in sub-Saharan Africa
Divorce et remariage des femmes en Afrique de l'Ouest. Le cas du Togo
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |