TOW #24 (written text)- "The Age of Mechanical Reproduction"

Reading/writing goals- Choose a difficult text about a topic I am not very familiar with. Make good transition and topic sentences, and connect each point back to the purpose.

       Millions of young families in America share similar goals and routines they wish to attain: get married, have children, and raise a family. For many people, child birth is easy and often unwanted. But other families, who struggle to reproduce, recognize that childbirth is not necessary given to all and struggle to fit the cultural norms of American society. Infertility is a growing problem for families in America due to both genetic and environmental factors. To make up for this, scientists and health officials have spent millions of dollars developing medical technology to allow infertile adults to have children. In the article, "The Age of Mechanical Reproduction," Paul Ford discusses the topic of infertility, which plagues many families, and offers up a solution to the problem, in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Using personal anecdotes and appropriate humor, Ford effectively analyzes the struggle young couples go through to give birth to their own child.

     As an introduction to the article, Paul Ford effectively grabs the readers attention with an anecdote of his own struggle with infertility. Leading up to his description of in-vitro fertilization, Ford describes the process he and his wife went through to achieve successful reproduction. Although, the process he described was clearly long, slow, and painful both emotionally and physically. Adding to the despair, their friends would tell them stories of celebrations and parties for their child's Christening, first birthday, etc. Ultimately, the personal anecdotes are the sole reason Ford is able to achieve his purpose, as it creates a deep connection between him and the audience. Because of the emotion he expresses in his writing and stories surrounding him and his wife's struggle, readers feel sympathy and are more likely to agree with the text that follows.

      Despite being such a difficult topic for Ford to discuss, as he personally suffers from infertility, he does not come across the reader as depressed and saddened by their situation. Intertwined within the anecdotes and discussion of "mechanical reproduction," Ford uses humor to lighten the mood of his article. Why would someone even think about reading the article, let along agree with what is said, if it is just sad and depressing? The positive aspects of his life that are highlighting through humor tell the audience that processes like in-vitro fertilization, though painfully long and sometimes unsuccessful, can in fact allow couples to reproduce and have a child of their own.

     Though it may not be "natural," fertilization can hypothetically be possible for all people. Through processes such as in-vitro fertilization, families have finally attained lifelong goals and wishes to have a child and can now fit in with societal norms in America. Though discussing a topic that is depressing for many, Ford effectively analyzes the struggle of infertility with his use of gripping anecdotes and appropriate humor.