Commercial, Political, and Cultural Uses (and Abuses?) of Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound: Unforeseen Consequences, 1970--2005 (2006)
Sullivan, Patricia A. (Author)
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Jameton, Andrew
Edition Details: Advisor: Jameton, Andrew
Physical Details: 118 pp.
Language: English
Diagnostic medical sonography provided a non-invasive mechanism for obtaining images of internal structures within the body by recording echoes from high frequency sound waves that were emitted into the body. Ultrasound technology evolved from rudimentary devices that recorded echoes as spikes on oscilloscope to real-time and multidimensional 3D and 4D imaging techniques. Each stage of technological development provided new diagnostic, as well as non-diagnostic, opportunities, particularly related to fetal imaging. With the advent of real- time technology, movement of the fetus and heartbeat could be observed and recorded. Beginning with the creation of the anti-abortion video The Silent Scream , this medical device became a political weapon that continued to be used in the pro-life movement's war against abortion. Multidimensional ultrasound technology, with surface-rendering imaging techniques, resulted in images of the fetus that resemble baby portraits and lead to the development of a new industry in fetal keepsake imaging. Lastly, reduction of the ultrasound machine to the size of a laptop computer increased portability of units to field hospitals, battlefields, surgical suites, and geographically remote regions. It also made the practice of female selective abortions more efficient in son-preference cultures where daughters were deemed undesirable. The use of ultrasound in population and gender control efforts, as a political weapon, and for fetal keepsakes were unforeseen applications of a medical technology designed to aid in diagnosis and clinical management of the patient.
...MoreDescription Cited in Diss. Abstr. Int. A 67/04 (2006). UMI pub. no. 3214516.
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