Conjoined Twins and the Future of Normal
PRESENTATION BY ALICE DREGER on May 19, 2006
Must children born with unusual anatomies have their bodies changed because others cannot be expected to change their minds? In her most recent book, One of Us, Alice Dreger views conjoined twinning and other "abnormalities," including intersex, craniofacial anomalies, and dwarfism, from the point of view of people living with such anatomies. Dr. Dreger questions assumptions about anatomy and normality, exposes the social frame upon which we construct the "normal," and challenges the role of medical professionals in shaping our social identities. Her work transforms our understanding of how we are all intricately and inextricably joined.
Alice Dreger is Visiting Associate Professor of Medical Humanities and Bioethics at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. Her work is centered on advancing public understanding of anatomical issues and medical politics and uses history to improve the biomedical and social treatment of people born with socially-challenging anatomies. She holds a PhD in History and Philosophy of Science from Indiana University.
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