Laboratory Science: Representations of Reproductive Biology in Carl Djerassi’s An Immaculate Misconception: Sex in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction

Carl Djerassi’s ‘An Immaculate Misconception: Sex in an Age of Mechanical Reproduction’ belongs to the science-in-theatre genre. The play revolves around the incidents in a reproductive biology laboratory and investigates the ethical implications of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a path-breaking scientific innovation in the field of assisted reproductive technology. In selecting key scientific themes as the subject matter of his literary works, Djerassi attempts to disseminate scientific ideas to a non-scientific audience. This is a significant step towards narrowing the gap of mutual incomprehension between scientists and non-scientists.