This collection of essays provides an overview of the social developments associated with the new reproductive technologies. It assesses the significance of of these new technologies for the field of the sociology of technology as a whole. Case-studies are used to illuminate the social issues, institutions and practices involved. In vitro fertilization in Britain is the main focus of the studies. Professionals in this field examine the careers of pioneers, and the language and conceptual frameworks which their field embodies are considered. Three of the essays investigate the responses of social institutions, such as the inhibitions surrounding governmental regulation of embryo research, the lack of information concerning artificial insemination donors and the media coverage of success stories.