A Guide to Reproduction: Social Issues and Human Concerns

Description

Reproduction plays a huge part in many people's lives, but often little is understood about the biological processes involved and the larger impact of reproductive choices. This book offers an accessible, comprehensive introduction to this fascinating subject. Irina Pollard takes a unique, interdisciplinary perspective, describing in detail the biology of human reproduction, but also covering in depth the impact of procreational behavior on human social structures, the environment, and health. This compelling and authoritative account is the first to draw together in a single volume these two disparate yet intimately connected strands of the story of human reproduction. The book covers fertility and infertility, sexual behavior and pheromones, sperm creation, maternal physiology during pregnancy, fetal development, the biology of breast feeding, and the impact of parental behavior on the physiology of the newborn, as well as population dynamics, artificial control of fertility, the AIDS epidemic, the effects of nutrition and exercise on reproductive behavior, and the causes of birth defects, including abuse of substances such as nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. This book is an ideal text for undergraduate and graduate students studying biology, medicine, anthropology, human ecology, population dynamics, and public health. It is also an engrossing and enlightening source of information for a wide range of general readers including prospective parents, pregnant mothers, teenagers, and anyone wishing a concise, up-to-date review of human reproductive biology.

"As the title implies, Pollard's book about reproduction in all its guises places the subject in the context of social, human, and environmental concerns. The text, though thoroughly based on current biologic, genetic, physiologic, and scientific knowledge, is remarkably readable...The section on the history of artificial control of fertility is particularly interesting and provides the longitudinal perspective so frequently neglected. Highly recommended..." Choice "...Many readers will enthusiastically welcome a written guide to the modern minefield of issues that involve reproductive biology...provides a substantial base for future explorations into the field." Armand Lione, Reproductive Toxicology "Much of the Guide would be useful as a reference text for teachers of prenatal growth and development...Various chapters would also be useful for people interested in Darwinian medicine..." Lynnette E. Leidy, American Journal of Human Biology "...thorough, informative and well-written." Religiouws Studies Review "Readers interested in advanced textbook in biology will enjoy this volume. Descriptions of the biology of reproduction, including anatomy, physiology, and medicine are thorough, informative and well-written." Judy E. Stern, Religious Studies Review