Peter I. Osuji

African Women and the Shame and Pain of Infertility

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“This fascinating work uses social-cultural tools to analyze and highlight the ethical issues around female infertility and the lifelong impact of this condition on their happiness, personal fulfillment, and sense of worth and dignity. The author, by incorporating the perspectives of prominent women theologians—Oduyoye and Uchem—psychologists, social workers, and pastors, challenges us to shun cultural and ethical practices that destroy life. Then to respect and promote socio-cultural practices, spiritual traditions, and interpretations (of Igbo moral principle of onyeaghalanwanneya), which foster human dignity, human rights, and well-being especially of African women. This book is invaluable to ethicists, theologians, healthcare professionals, pastors, and all who care about the plight of infertile people.”