On the commodification of the black female body: the critical implications of the alienability of fetal tissue.
Recent scientific experimentation has revealed that fetal tissue yielded from abortions has remarkable therapeutic value. This Note posits that the demand for fetal tissue likely will expand to the point where the current supply no longer satisfies it. Therefore, in order to obtain tissue from women who would not otherwise donate their abortuses, should research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and doctors be allowed to offer women a "financial incentive" for their fetal tissue? That is, should women be allowed to sell their fetal tissue? This Note explores the question from a Critical Race Theory perspective. It analyzes the impact that a market in fetal tissue will have on Black women, who are more likely to participate in such a market due to their precarious economic situation, their higher abortion rate, and the effects of internalized oppression. The Note concludes that because Black women will be disproportionately exploited, as well as disenfranchised from the benefits produced by a market in fetal tissue, fetal tissue should not be made market alienable.
Bridges
Khiara M
KM
D000029:Abortion, Legal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001741:Black or African American; D001828:Body Image; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D012649:Self Concept; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D014481:United States; D014930:Women