Undoing Motherhood: Collaborative Reproduction and the Deinstitutionalisation of U.S. Maternity. By Katherine M.Johnson, Rutgers University Press, 2023. 204 pp. $150.00 USD (hardcover). ISBN: 9781978808683

‘Undoing Motherhood’ provides a profound and critical examination of collaborative reproduction and the transformation of motherhood in the United States. This book delves into how cultural, social and technological factors have deconstructed traditional notions of maternity. By presenting an interdisciplinary analysis, it sheds light on how modern reproductive technologies, coupled with evolving societal norms, challenge and reshape the concept of motherhood. The idea of maternity, as the book asserts, is deeply embedded in social and cultural frameworks that define and dictate how motherhood is perceived and practiced. These frameworks are layered with hierarchies shaped by socio-economic status, ethnicity, education and cultural norms. Such stratifications determine who is viewed as an ‘ideal’ mother and influence societal expectations about maternal roles. For example, in some societies, traditional childbirth practices are revered, whereas others prioritise modern medical interventions. These dynamics underscore the disparities in maternal care and the varying degrees of access to reproductive choices. Moreover, advancements in reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy, have further complicated these perceptions (Johnson 2023). These technologies raise critical questions about what constitutes ‘natural’ motherhood. The book highlights the intersection of traditional beliefs and modern healthcare systems, emphasising the need to scrutinise the cultural and societal forces shaping maternal care. It challenges the normative frameworks that historically defined motherhood, calling for a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences and practices surrounding maternity. One of the book's most compelling arguments is its focus on the fragmentation of motherhood brought about by technological breakthroughs, particularly egg donation and gestational surrogacy. The first successful pregnancies using these methods symbolised a paradigm shift, fragmenting motherhood into genetic, gestational, social and legal dimensions. The book broadens the contemporary definition of motherhood by dissecting these dimensions, offering a more inclusive framework that moves beyond traditional biological boundaries. Drawing on extensive documentary data collected between 2012 and 2020, the author provides a detailed analysis of collaborative reproduction's socio-legal and medical aspects. The book reveals the complexity of determining who qualifies as a legitimate mother by examining the roles of key figures in reproductive medicine, legal experts, and organizational leaders. These narratives highlight how legal systems and societal norms struggle to keep pace with advancements in reproductive technologies, creating uncertainties for families navigating this evolving landscape. The book critiques the inadequacy of current legal and institutional systems to accommodate the diverse forms of motherhood arising from collaborative reproduction. This gap not only leaves individuals and families in a state of limbo but also perpetuates rigid and exclusionary definitions of maternity. The author advocates for a reimagined understanding of motherhood that acknowledges and embraces the diversity and plurality of maternal experiences. Beyond its critique of legal and institutional frameworks, ‘Undoing Motherhood’ explores the cultural and social ramifications of evolving motherhood. The interplay between genetic, gestational and social motherhood underscores the tensions within traditional family structures. These tensions are further amplified in contexts where cultural norms clash with the implications of reproductive technologies. For instance, societies that prioritise biological ties may struggle to accept surrogacy or egg donation as legitimate paths to parenthood. The book's cross-cultural lens enriches its analysis, demonstrating the global relevance of these issues. Although the primary focus is on the United States, the author incorporates examples from other cultural contexts to highlight how these challenges manifest worldwide. This comparative approach emphasises the universality of the questions raised by reproductive technologies and the need for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of motherhood. Structured into seven chapters, the book adopts an interdisciplinary approach, blending empirical research, theoretical frameworks and case studies. Each chapter contributes uniquely, offering diverse perspectives on the multifaceted nature of motherhood in the context of reproductive technologies. This structure allows the author to explore the topic comprehensively, addressing maternity's biological, social, legal and cultural dimensions. The methodological approach is another strength of the book. The author comprehensively analyses the complexities surrounding maternal identity by leveraging diverse documentary data sources. This includes examining legal cases, medical practices and personal narratives to illustrate the fragmentation and plurality of motherhood. Empirical data adds depth and credibility to the analysis, making it a valuable resource for academics and practitioners. However, the book's strength in presenting complexity also poses a challenge. The lack of definitive answers regarding the essence of motherhood may leave some readers seeking more straightforward resolutions. This open-ended approach reflects the reality of the subject matter, where definitive answers are often elusive due to the diversity of experiences and perspectives involved. ‘Undoing Motherhood’ is essential in sociology, family studies and gender dynamics. Its critical examination of motherhood in the era of reproductive technologies provides a framework for understanding the implications of these advancements on traditional and contemporary perceptions of maternity. The book's interdisciplinary nature and comprehensive scope make it a valuable resource for academics, policymakers and practitioners interested in the evolving dynamics of motherhood. As part of the Families in Focus series, the book is tailored for a scholarly audience, particularly those exploring the intersections of motherhood, reproductive technologies and social norms. Its emphasis on empirical research and theoretical analysis ensures its relevance for academic inquiry and practical application. At its core, ‘Undoing Motherhood’ advocates for a reimagined understanding of maternity that transcends conventional biological boundaries. It calls for legal and institutional systems to adapt to the changing realities of motherhood, ensuring that all forms of maternal identity are recognized and valued. This advocacy aligns with broader efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in family structures and reproductive choices. The book's emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity is particularly significant in an era where reproductive technologies continue to evolve. By highlighting the fragmentation of motherhood and the plurality of maternal experiences, the author underscores the need to move beyond rigid definitions and embrace a more inclusive framework. This vision challenges societal norms and paves the way for a more equitable understanding of motherhood. ‘Undoing Motherhood’ offers a compelling and nuanced exploration of motherhood in the context of collaborative reproduction and reproductive technologies. By examining the fragmentation of maternal identity and the interplay between traditional and modern practices, the book provides a critical framework for understanding the evolving dynamics of maternity. Its interdisciplinary approach, empirical research and theoretical analysis make it an invaluable resource for scholars, practitioners and policymakers. The book's call for a reimagined understanding of motherhood resonates strongly in today's world, where advancements in reproductive technologies continue to challenge traditional notions of maternity. By advocating for inclusivity and diversity, ‘Undoing Motherhood’ contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the future of motherhood and the societal structures that shape it. Sahrir Sillehu: formal analysis (equal), resources (equal). Pardomuan Robinson Sihombing: methodology (equal), validation (equal), visualization (equal). The authors have nothing to report.