Andie
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Hello! A question about contraceptive implants on Barrayar - could women make these medical decisions for themselves, or was a husband or father's permission required? (To either get, or remove, the implant?) This might influence decisions for certain of my favourite couples who are betrothed but not yet married. There are references such as "observing the traditions, at least, as far as Mama and Da know ..." TY!
Lois McMaster Bujold
The answer to this question would have changed through time and local polities (countships). Before the end of the Time of Isolation, it wasn't a question that could even be asked, as the tech did not exist. The disruptions of the Occupation and its war would have prevented anyone focusing on such issues, but the tech would have been leaking slowly out from the more to the less developed areas. In general, it's something that would be left to families, not taken up in legislatures -- this could be good or bad.
The law tended to skirt around "women's work". So it's more likely any permissions would be the purview of the mother rather than the father, for girls. Remember, minor girls are by default in the legal custody of their mothers, not their fathers.
By Gregor's reign, empire-wide "galactic standard", i.e., Cordelia-driven, customs of leaving the decision to individuals (so yes, the women) would prevail. (And do remember, that's not the only contraceptive on the market, tho' likely the most reliable -- older methods would also remain in circulation.) Celibacy (for women) would remain a lingering social ideal long after it had become medically moot, I expect. The way it does.
Ta, L.
The law tended to skirt around "women's work". So it's more likely any permissions would be the purview of the mother rather than the father, for girls. Remember, minor girls are by default in the legal custody of their mothers, not their fathers.
By Gregor's reign, empire-wide "galactic standard", i.e., Cordelia-driven, customs of leaving the decision to individuals (so yes, the women) would prevail. (And do remember, that's not the only contraceptive on the market, tho' likely the most reliable -- older methods would also remain in circulation.) Celibacy (for women) would remain a lingering social ideal long after it had become medically moot, I expect. The way it does.
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Laer Carroll
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Recently I read parts of my first book, published 11 years and books ago, to get details for a sequel. I was surprised at the skill of that alien time-lost author. Have you ever experienced anything similar? By the way, as I do every few years, I'm re-reading the Vorkosigan stories starting with Cordelia's books. I'm buying the ebook versions despite having the print books. Eyesight changes make ebooks easier to read.
Sybal Janssen
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Finished "The Hallowed Haunt" today and am starting to reread it. Your Five Deity theology fascinates me. I was particularly taken with the idea the thumb, which represents The Bastard God touches all five fingers. Did you develop this theology completely from your own creative imagination, or was it a partial not to the five elements of the Ancient Chinese world view? Much else of your theology delighted me.
Ari
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Upon rereading Gentleman Jole, I was struck by a simple question: enabling technology is a fine thing, but would you really want to start raising children at your age? And on the topic of reproductive tech, what do you think of Lavie Tidhar's Central Station? It's wonderful to see how different authors take similar premises in very different yet thought-provoking directions.
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