@article{ART003332790},
author={Jean Young Kim and Hong, Youjin},
title={Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies},
journal={아시아여성연구},
issn={1225-9241},
year={2026},
volume={65},
number={1},
pages={167-207}
TY - JOUR
AU - Jean Young Kim
AU - Hong, Youjin
TI - Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
JO - 아시아여성연구
PY - 2026
VL - 65
IS - 1
PB - Research Institute of Asian Women
SP - 167
EP - 207
SN - 1225-9241
AB - As the Korean government’s policies supporting subfertile couples have expanded over the past 20 years, the economic barrier to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) has decreased, leading to the widespread popularization of ARTs in Korean society. This study examines the social consequences of this popularization and analyzes how varying levels of accessibility to fertility clinics shape individuals’ experiences and perception of ARTs. First, drawing on qualitative research on fertility treatment experiences, the authors identify accessibility to fertility centers as a key factor shaping individuals’ perceptions and experiences of treatment. Based on this finding, the study further investigates regional disparities in accessibility to fertility centers through a quantitative GIS analysis of changes in the distribution of IVF clinics between 2006 and 2024. By integrating qualitative and quantitative analyses, the authors argue that while government support policies have improved overall access to fertility treatments, they have simultaneously generated a new form of inequality from the perspective of geographical accessibility. In particular, regional disparities in access to fertility centers affect individuals’ everyday lives in uneven ways. In this sense, the popularization of ARTs has contributed to a new form of geographically stratified reproduction. This study expands existing research on subfertility experiences–largely centered on medicalization-by incorporating a spatial perspective. It also provides policy relevant insights for the design of subfertility support programs and for individuals considering fertility treatment.
KW - assisted reproductive technologies;subfertility;fertility center accessibility;everyday life;stratified reproduction
DO -
UR -
ER -
Jean Young Kim and Hong, Youjin. (2026). Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. 아시아여성연구, 65(1), 167-207.
Jean Young Kim and Hong, Youjin. 2026, "Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies", 아시아여성연구, vol.65, no.1 pp.167-207.
Jean Young Kim, Hong, Youjin "Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies" 아시아여성연구 65.1 pp.167-207 (2026) : 167.
Jean Young Kim, Hong, Youjin. Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. 2026; 65(1), 167-207.
Jean Young Kim and Hong, Youjin. "Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies" 아시아여성연구 65, no.1 (2026) : 167-207.
Jean Young Kim; Hong, Youjin. Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. 아시아여성연구, 65(1), 167-207.
Jean Young Kim; Hong, Youjin. Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. 아시아여성연구. 2026; 65(1) 167-207.
Jean Young Kim, Hong, Youjin. Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies. 2026; 65(1), 167-207.
Jean Young Kim and Hong, Youjin. "Spatialized Reproductive Inequality: The Impact of Fertility Clinic Accessibility in the Context of the Popularization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies" 아시아여성연구 65, no.1 (2026) : 167-207.
