Responsible Mothers, Anxious Women: Contraception and Neoliberalism in Morocco

摘要: Dressed in a white lab coat and black hijab, Amal sat behind her desk the counseling room of clinic that specializes reproductive maternal healthcare located just outside Rabat, Morocco. was not only sole counselor who checked patients updated their charts, but she also director, responsible for overseeing both medical services administration. I across from her, hung piece cardboard with various methods contraception taped to it. As gestured it, asked what most popular method women came this clinic, which is tucked away working-class neighborhood. She explained oral (referred as la pilule)1 because it "easy" "private" women, requiring fewer trips doctor supplies care. Even though spoke mix Moroccan Arabic French, made sure understood point by saying "number one"2 English pointing index ^nger. By using birth control pill, can own fertility long they remember take each day. said need see once year well-woman exam make trip every three months new cycles pills. (Patients may purchase up months' worth pills on any visit clinic.)As 2008, approximately sixty-three percent childbearing age are one or another.3 Global community health scholars o^en break down into two categories. Modern includes those prescribed physician should be carried out under care trained professional, including contraceptives, intrauterine device (IUD), injections. In contrast, traditional refers practices such herbal remedies, coitus interruptus, abstinence, prolonged breast-feeding, post-partum taboos, rhythm method. Amal's modern Morocco pill followed IUD. Both widely available clinics hospitals, without doctor's orders pharmacies country.Andrew Russell Mary Thompson suggest "contraceptives important technological 'facts' global stage. However, importantly mental 'conceptions.'"4 Methods "do 'work,' work bodies wide variety perceived ways"5 social constructions. My goal article show female participants observed interviewed material means through express doubts about future country children. pose part anxiety stems changing constructions feminine citizenship have accompanied development initiatives. Some prior scholarship has argued women's hinges upon ability give birth, ideally several For example, study family planning among rural southern Morocco, Rahma Bourqia argues defines existence psychologically socially. discovered poorer sample were very apprehensive accepting limiting number children households would detrimental roles society. Moreover, parents expect them when grow older. writes, "The investment capital children."6 Also, Vanessa Maher suggests woman tends over period time, "there always around dependent attention greatly reducing mobility. So activities must within severely circumscribed space. …