Hannah Gibson

Guest writer

Dr Hannah Gibson was born and raised in Scotland before moving to New Zealand aged 16. She has PhD in medical anthropology, exploring surrogacy and parenthood in New Zealand. She writes about disability, ableism, academia, sexuality, infertility, surrogacy, and is particularly passionate challenging stigmas around the above topics.

Mr Darcy as a younger pup (Photo: supplied; additional design: Tina Tiller)

Hounded out: How bans on dogs hurt disabled people like me

A new member's bill would make it illegal to deny someone service because they have a disability assist dog.

By Hannah Gibson | 9th November, 2021

Image: Archi Banal

Why it’s time to change our archaic and unnecessary surrogacy laws

Those who have a baby via surrogacy should not have to prove their worthiness as parents.

By Hannah Gibson | 27th September, 2021

Photo: Getty Images

Some advice for ‘long Covid’ sufferers, from the chronic fatigue community

Understanding the connection between chronic fatigue and ‘long Covid’ might be helpful in treating symptoms that medicine will find all too easy to dismiss.

By Hannah Gibson | 17th January, 2021

Darcy at work (Photo: Supplied)

Yes my dog is cute, but please don’t pet him when he’s working

Mobility dog owner Hannah Gibson explains why it's important assistance dogs like hers stay focused on the job.

By Hannah Gibson | 26th April, 2019

A worried woman checks a pregnancy test. Photo: Getty Images.

We need to change how we talk about infertility

Our current understanding of infertility is limited and leads to unfair stigma, Hannah Gibson writes.

By Hannah Gibson | 13th April, 2019

Most doctors have discovered computers, but some still depend on people being able to read their handwriting. (Image: Getty Images)

Inventing illness? What it’s like when your GP won’t believe you’re in pain

Hannah Gibson has been living with chronic illness for most of her life. So why does she still struggle to get medical professionals to take her condition seriously?

By Hannah Gibson | 12th January, 2019

“Inclusion isn’t inclusion if it doesn’t celebrate diversity.” (Photo: Getty Images)

Why the inclusion of disabled people still has a long way to go

As we celebrate Suffrage 125, let us not forget that just as disabled people were excluded in 1893, many continue to feel excluded from society today.

By Hannah Gibson | 21st September, 2018

The Handmaid’s Tale

Surrogacy in the age of The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid's Tale portrays surrogacy as an act of violent exploitation. Surrogacy researcher Hannah Gibson considers how the show affects our understanding of surrogacy in New Zealand and asks: are women here being exploited?

By Hannah Gibson | 22nd May, 2018

Photo: Getty Images

The illness people can’t see: living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

What is it like to have a disease that nobody can 'see' and which society can shame you for talking about?

By Hannah Gibson | 12th May, 2018