Abstract
Studies in humanities and social sciences have rarely discussed the problem of male infertility. This paper examines the background of this relative silence through an analysis of statements by obstetricians and gynecologists from the 1930s to the 1950s, taking notice of motherhood protection and infertility, especially artificial insemination by donor (AID). It also aims to present materials to develop discussion concerning assisted reproductive technologies in family studies.
The two following points are made clear. First, although AID is a kind of male infertility treatment, it was used for women who had an infertile husband in relation to motherhood protection, which unified pregnancy and child nurturing. Second, AID went against the norm of the family in the period around the end of World War 2 because it used donated sperm. However, it was compatible with the “couple-based family,” which was promoted by post-war reforms.
