The Concept of Stigma and its Relevance to Womens Experience of Infertility

Abstract

Motherhood is considered as a legitimate adult female identity. In most of the societies, the only and main purpose of marriage is procreation however other considerations as for providing companionship is seen as not being accepted within the society. Hence infertility is seen as a source of stigmatization among women who are unable to achieve fertilisation. Irrespective of the man who may be responsible for the cause of the infertility, women often bear the consequences. Such consequences as stigmatization of the adult female is more obvious because of childlessness. Research studies indicate that adult female who experienced infertility have expressed being stigmatized. This paper examined some studies carried out on the concept of stigma and utilizes a conceptual framework to highlight the experience of being stigmatized by the adult reproductive female.