In the Arab world, motherhood is glorified, childlessness is socially unacceptable, and adoption is religiously prohibited. How then do couples handle infertility? "Local Babies, Global Science" examines in vitro fertilization among affluent couples in Egypt, and the implications for Arab and global society. Marcia Inhorn's beautifully written work shows how the transfer of IVF technology from Euro-American points of origin to Egypt reshapes the use of this science and how it is reshaping cultural ideas in Egypt. This book also offers a fascinating, eye-opening analysis of how Egyptians view the West--a timely contribution to the current conversation about the modern Islamic world and the West.

Prologue: Amira1. Introduction2. Class3. Knowledge4. Religion5. Providers6. Efficacy7. Embodiment8. Gender9. Stigma10. ConclusionAppendix: FatwaNotesReferences

Marcia C. Inhorn is Associate Professor with joint appointments in the School of Public Health and the Department of Anthropology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.