Assisted reproductive technologies in the eyes of Ladinos and Mayans [Blog post]

Guatemala consists of two main ethnic groups, Ladinos and Mayans. Ladino and Latino are different. Ladino, is a word tied to race, whereas the term Latino is solely linked to heritage. Ladino is a term used in Guatemala for a Spanish-speaking person of ‘mixed blood’, namely a person of mixed European and indigenous Central American ancestry; whereas Mayan is a term used for indigenous Central American natives.
The two ethnic groups differ sharply on many factors, particularly with regard to family, religion, cultural practices, marriage and having children.
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are medical procedures used primarily to address infertility. It includes procedures such as in vitro fertilisation and conception by third party involvement.
While bringing hope to millions of infertile people worldwide, ARTS are also associated with many religious, ethnical, and social considerations and complications. For this reason scientists worldwide have been studying the public perceptions, behaviour and consequences of children born by ART.
Remarkably, no scientific research has been done on Ladino’s and Mayan’s perceptions, behaviour and consequences of the ART experience in spite of the fact that Guatemala is on the list of the top 48 nations offering ART. I have therefore initiated the first systematic research on Ladino’s and Mayan’s perception, behaviour and consequences of ART. [...]