This course examines psychological and social influences that affect peoples' thinking and decisions about reproduction. Effective counselling and communication requires adopting a position of "otherness" which is never singular and always complex. The course is presented in a modular format in which different models of parenthood and health are analysed within the context of the contemporary political environment and current ethical issues. The course is developed with sensitivities for cultural context in particular.

By the end of this course, you will have been given the opportunity to:
• increase your counselling skills as a practitioner by identifying personal and social issues that can impede effective communication;
• through the use of a journal, reflect on issues that arise during the course, and thereby develop analysis skills;
• examine new skills to assist clients and practitioners to clarify and address potential personal and social problems of medical interventions in reproduction;
• identify 'assumptions' pertaining to reproduction within the medical model;
• define possible stereotypes about clientele of reproductive technologies;
• analyse the political and ethical issues of reproductive technologies.