History of Prenatal Diagnosis

This project involves the research and writing of a history of modern prenatal diagnosis. Recent scholarly work in the history of science, technology, and medicine will provide the conceptual perspectives for the work. Resources to be used include the professional literatures of medicine, genetic counseling, bioethics, genetics, and medical administration; the popular literature of medical advice to the general public; the literature of the women's health movement; published legal records; archival records; and the secondary literature on the abortion controversy and on the women's movement since 1950. The book which will result from this research will be intended for a general audience of intelligent readers -- and will, hopefully, demonstrate the way in which historical research and analysis can be fruitfully brought to bear in making social and moral decisions.