Topics 
This art print is a part of the ‘Topics’ collection. These prints exude the history, storytelling and art of adornment from the South Asian culture. Through the rich colours and jewels, these prints add a statement to every room. Pair with a plain frame and accompanying candles or pampas grass to elevate the print.
 
Print finish 
All art prints are printed on high quality ‘smooth cotton high white paper’ which leaves a smooth and texture-free matte finish. The high white shade assures saturated colours lift when printed.
 
Want to know a little more about the paper quality? 
Weight: 315gsm
Material: 100% Cotton
Coating: Matte
Surface Texture: Smooth
Available in A4 and A3
 
To read more about what inspired this collection or this particular illustration, visit @gaby.gohlar on Instagram.
 
IVF, Surrogacy and Adoption
 
Research conducted by Arvidsson et al (2017) found that women are most often “blamed for childlessness in their society” causing them to be “excluded from ceremonies and public activities.” This is because people believed that “God will decide whether they would be granted children” or not and that childlessness was a ‘punishment’ for bad deeds in a past life. 
 
Stigma with Adoption
“Although adoption was often mentioned as a solution to childlessness, there was a view expressed that an adopted child was not ‘one’s own,’ and for this reason, adoptive parents were said to run the risk of not being cared for by such a child in their old age. Some said there would be a lack of affection in a parent-child relationship arranged through adoption, stressing the importance of having a child who is a ‘blood’ relation.” (Arvidsson, 2017) 
 
Stigma with IVF
Misconceptions regarding fertility treatments such as IVF are induced by a lack of understanding and support. Culley et al (2004) suggested that 15% of South Asian couples used alternative therapies for infertility or alongside conventional medicine. This is because there is little to no support from health practitioners towards ethnic minorities. (Ali, 2019) Therefore, fears regarding the intrusive nature of the treatment, embarrassment, lack of confidentiality, financial issues and language barriers are not addressed. (Cross-Sudworth, 2006) 
 
Stigma with Surrogacy
Similar to IVF, there is a lack of knowledge about how surrogacy is conducted. Arvidsson et al (2017) found that “there were diverse views about the surrogate mother” such as viewing her as a “prostitute” or a “bad woman” for “selling her own child.” This was because couples believed that surrogacy involved intercourse and that the birth mother should be married to the child’s biological father. 
 
Ending the stigma 
Walkner et al (2015) found that whilst adoptive families had differences, there were very few and their levels of conflict were in a normative range. In fact “92 percent of families with adopted children are satisfied with their decision.” (FECYT, 2012) Therefore, adoptive families aren’t any less functional than nonadoptive families, so long as they avoid comparison. 
 
Skrobić et al (2021) conducted a study on the stigma and perceptions of women undergoing IVF. They found that conversations about IVF helped them to learn, share and receive support. Whilst there is still room for improvement in the policies and practices of IVF, research into the field of ‘reproductive endocrinology and infertility’ has progressed at an astounding pace over the past three decades. They’ve developed techniques, medications, testing, and strategies to treat infertile couples. (Eskew et al, 2017) Therefore, having conversations with other women and health professionals can help eradicate fears regarding IVF.  
 
Arvidsson et al (2017) found that whilst some surrogates were labelled negatively, they were also considered “noble” and worthy of “respect.” They also concluded that had participants been educated on surrogacy, then their perceptions would have been different. In fact, Arvidsson et al (2017) identified a correlation between the level of education and the need for the child to be genetically related. Therefore, surrogacy is more likely to be accepted if we educate ourselves and others about the process.