Arts, Media and Popular Culture

Poetic song of Hester. Secondary infertility: Losing infants, inheriting a child

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The aim of the article was to explore the narrative of Hester, a black South African woman,
who is living with secondary infertility. The perspective is that of postfoundational practical
theology, feminist theology and social constructionist narrative methodology. Fertility, as one
of the most intimate areas of human existence, lies at the heart of life itself. Within the African
tradition, motherhood is seen as almost sacred. Despite Hester’s multiple identities, one which
is that of adoptive mother, the absence of biological children causes her to be regarded as a
‘childless’ woman. That identity not only disproportionately defines her, but also stigmatises her
as shameful and an outsider. Within the traditional African worldview being healthy (including
being fertile) is seen as being in harmony with the societal order and systemic, spiritual and
religious environment.
Hester’s social construction of her ‘self’ is that of helplessness, reflected in her near illiteracy,
low economic status, socio-cultural position and lack of skills. Her childlessness reinforced her
helplessness. Her ‘woundedness’ was perpetuated by the fact that she could not share her painful
story openly. In the article Hester’s story is presented as a poem, titled: ‘the thing that doesn’t
want to come out’. The article concludes with Hester’s reconstruction of ‘self’ as a woman,
although poor, also blessed.

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Publication Information

: ., 2010

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Language

English

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Subject(s)

infertility within the African context
issues of death
mutual embracement
Secondary infertility

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Article

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