Cultural Dynamics and Mental Well-being in Women Seeking Assisted Reproductive Treatment

The industry of Assisted Reproductive Technology or Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) embraces a variety of techniques and products that activate the intervention of important cultural values as to the status of the physical components of the human body involved in reproduction (gametes, embryo, womb) and the social structures involved in reproduction (gender roles, social class, religion) that may or may not support or oppose one set of values over another. What is the impact of culture on the ART supply? How does culture use its power to frame supply to attribute value to some types of supply but not to others? Do these cultural values oppress the mental wellbeing of women undergoing treatment? Where does mental well-being stand in contrasting societal climates? In the context of cultural dynamics, this literature review explores the relationship between the usage of ART by women and its implications for mental well-being. In addition, it adopts a comparative international approach, drawing on material from both the West and the East to illustrate the mediating factors influencing the mental well-being of women utilizing ART. Furthermore, it assesses existing support systems and interventions to enhance the Quality of Life (QoL) for women undergoing ART procedures and suggests avenues for further improvement in their well-being.