Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the methodological complexities and ethical challenges encountered during fieldwork within the context of a fertility clinic in Zagreb, Croatia. The emphasis is placed on the relationships and power dynamics between anthropologists, health workers and patients.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores encountered during fieldwork within the context of a fertility clinic. Fertility clinics serve as sites for understanding the lived experiences of individuals struggling with reproduction. However, the process of conducting fieldwork in these clinics presents numerous methodological and ethical dilemmas. This presentation seeks to identify and analyze the key challenges encountered by anthropologists in this specific research setting. One primary challenge lies in gaining access to the clinic and establishing dialogue with patients, medical staff, and healthcare providers. The highly private and emotionally charged nature of fertility treatments requires sensitivity and trust-building, as anthropologists must navigate delicate boundaries and ethical considerations. Additionally, ethical concerns surrounding confidentiality, privacy, and informed consent further complicate the fieldwork process. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of the clinic environment poses practical challenges. Anthropologists may face limited timeframes, strict protocols, and access restrictions due to the clinical priorities and patient confidentiality. Balancing the needs of the research with the demands and constraints of the clinic environment necessitates careful negotiation and adaptability. This presentation critically reflects on the implications of power dynamics between anthropologists, health workers and patients within the fertility clinic context. Anthropologists must be mindful of their positionality and the potential for exploitation or harm, striving to maintain an ethical and equitable research process. By highlighting these challenges, this presentation contributes to a broader conversation of the complexities involved in conducting fieldwork within fertility clinics and encourages a balanced and patient-centered approach to research.