La devoradora y becoming Unpregnant: The colonizing rhetoric of dissociation, medicalization, and commercialization of infertility and the acute effect on the Latinx infertile female body

The author's dissertation is a deeply personal and culturally rich exploration of their experience with infertility, specifically focusing on in vitro fertilization (IVF). Presented in Spanglish, the narrative delves into the emotional, physical, and societal dimensions of infertility, challenging norms and advocating for the destigmatization of infertility within Latinx communities. The text reflects on the transformative impact of IVF on the author's body and identity, highlighting the impact that comes with the label of a "Latinx Infertile Female Body" (LIFB) as well as the toll of infertility treatments on the body, navigating faith, and reshaping societal expectations. The term "unpregnancy," a term born out of the author's introspective reflection and struggle to find a place in a dichotomous world, is introduced. Unpregnancy encapsulates the liminal space where a body is neither definitively pregnant nor free from pregnancy's physical and emotional changes. Further, the author calls for recognition beyond reproductive capabilities and challenges societal expectations imposed on LIFBs. In the dissertation, the author directly addresses the stigma, racialization, and gender discrimination faced by LIFBs within the medical system. In conclusion, the dissertation serves as a powerful call to action, urging the destigmatization of infertility, challenging discriminatory practices, and breaking the silence within marginalized communities. It emphasizes the importance of authentic narratives in reshaping societal perceptions and providing agency to those who have been silenced, ultimately contributing to a broader conversation on fertility, identity, and reclaiming one's story.
Embargo status: Restricted until 06/2174. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left.