Despite the extensive debates about new reproductive technologies, there is still little published research on the social and cultural implications of the new reproductive techniques. Our understanding of how babies are conceived and what it means to be a parent or relative have become more complex.

The authors argue that the neglect of social research into new reproductive technologies has led to a failure to make the necessary provisions for their consequences. The plight of the involuntary childless who, having been helped to conceive, find themselves with three, four or more babies illustrates this point clearly.