The Politics of (Non)Reproduction: Choice, Challenges, and Change
BSA Postgraduate Regional Event: a one-day interdisciplinary exploration of the complexities of (non)reproduction
2 September 2025 (09:30-17:00)
University of York, UK
About the Event
This one-day interdisciplinary conference explores the complexities of (non)reproduction, bringing together researchers, creative practitioners, and advocates. The event provides a space for critical reflection, knowledge exchange, and engagement on topics often marginalised in both academic and public discourse.
Embodied choices, fertility, and parenthood receive considerable attention across both research and public discourse. These conversations often centre on fertile bodies and traditional reproductive trajectories. Yet, an estimated 3.5 million people in the UK experience infertility/involuntary childlessness, and a growing number are choosing to forgo parenthood altogether. (Non)reproduction - encompassing (in)fertility, childless by circumstance, childfree by choice, and all the complexities in between - is ever-present and yet noticeably absent.
While themes such as gynaecological health, reproduction, fertility preservation, and new reproductive technologies are regularly explored, dominant narratives tend to privilege stories that end – or are presumed to end – with the ‘happy ending’ of parenthood. In doing so, traditional family structures are centred, while (non)reproductive experiences remain marginalised and stigmatised.
This event makes space for the messy and complex journeys that challenge simple, linear reproductive pathways.
Confirmed contributions include:
- Keynotes by Professor Gayle Letherby and Dr Robin Hadley
- Pop-up art exhibition and presentation by disabled artist and digital inequalities researcher Dr Alicja Pawluczuk
- Discussions of The Feminist Miscarriage Project led by Dr Victoria Browne and Professor Susie Kilshaw.
- Reflections from Dr Laura Curtis on consciousness-raising practices among involuntarily childless researchers and advocates
Programme
Full programme and speaker bios will be circulated prior to the event.
Registration
Registration is free. Advance registration is required. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There will be an informal dinner following the event, which all delegates are welcome to join.
Contact
For more information about the conference, please contact the organiser Madelaine French.