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In pursuit of a healthy fetus: ideas, signs, and things in the reconstruction of the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis

The article examines medical care for pregnant women in pursuit of a healthy fetus. Specifically, it explores operationalization of the diagnosis and decision-making processes associated with the infection/disease object toxoplasmosis. According to empirical philosophy and to Annemarie Mol, this object is 'manipulated,' at least, by both physician and patient. This manipulation corresponds to an ontological reconstruction based on the integration of ideas-signs-things in the time-space context, which foster the multiplicity of the object. The article seeks to contribute to theorization on ontological politics, taking into account that multiplicity of the object and several ensuing interventions imply different body modeling and life shifts.

empirical philosophy; healthcare practices; manipulation; ontological reconstruction; ontological politics


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