Palmer, Julie. (2009) Seeing and knowing : ultrasound images in the contemporary abortion debate. Feminist Theory, Vol.10 (No.2, Sp. Iss. SI). pp. 173-189. ISSN 1464-7001

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Abstract

Foetal images have been central to the medicalized abortion debate since the 1960s. Feminists have extensively analysed such pictures, arguing that the pregnant body is separated from the foetus and erased from view, and that the rights of women and foetuses are set in opposition. In this article I introduce the latest image in this debate, the 3D sonogram, which is widely reported as new evidence for a reduction in the gestational time limit. Through close analysis of two examples, I argue that the rhetorical use of these images can be characterized by a conflation of knowing with seeing. With the new clarity of sonograms to the untrained eye, image producers are legitimated by a discourse of public information and concerned citizens are called upon to exercise their rights to see/know. For feminist theory, this implies the need for continued analysis of the epistemology of foetal images and renewed focus on the subject position of the viewer.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Ultrasonic imaging, Fetus -- Imaging , Abortion, Three-dimensional imaging in medicine
Journal or Publication Title:	Feminist Theory
Publisher:	Sage Publications, Inc.
ISSN:	1464-7001
Date:	August 2009
Volume:	Vol.10
Number:	No.2, Sp. Iss. SI
Number of Pages:	17
Page Range:	pp. 173-189
Identification Number:	10.1177/1464700109104923
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/6080

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