Could Life-Like Dolls Provide Support for Families Dealing with Infertility and Loss?

Photo credit : Majid Asgaripour/WANA
In Iran, where societal expectations regarding family and children are particularly pronounced, the pressure to bear children can be immense. Many couples experience stigma when unable to conceive, facing comments from relatives or neighbors that can deepen their sense of isolation. Within this cultural context, life-like dolls provide an alternative avenue for expression and acceptance. They allow some individuals to partake in social rituals of parenthood, such as shopping for baby clothes or preparing a nursery, without the associated anxieties.