Description
Book SynopsisThis new book provides a clear and accessible analysis of the various ways in which human reproduction is regulated. A comprehensive exposition of the law relating to birth control,abortion, pregnancy, childbirth, surrogacy and assisted conception is accompanied by an exploration of some of the complex ethical dilemmas that emerge when one of the most intimate areas of human life is subjected to regulatory control. Throughout the book, two principal themes recur. First, particular emphasis is placed upon the special difficulties that arise in regulating new technological intervention in all aspects of the reproductive process. Second, the concept of reproductive autonomy is both interrogated and defended. This book offers a readable and engaging account of the complex relationships between law, technology and reproduction. It will be useful for lecturers and students taking medical law or ethics courses. It should also be of interest to anyone with a more general interest in women's bodies and the law, or with the profound regulatory consequences of new technologies.
Trade Review...welcomed as a valuable and essential addition to a very contentious topic. The processing, presentation and analysis of data and the development and arrangement of the content of the book are indicative of a thorough investigation and grasp of the topic, as well as a scientific dissemination of voluminous research material. Although the book will be essential reading for lecturers, students, practitioners of medical law and health care professionals, it will also be an asset to any bookshelf. P A Carsten, University of Pretoria Stellenbosch Law Review October 2001 This will be a very valuable book for the wealth of information it contains and the ease of acces to it that Jackson produces in her clear and concise writing style. The narrative is well-informed and up-to-date. The author has produced a very interesting, comprehensive and accessible account of the law's involvement in reproductive choice and I believe that it is a valuable addition to the literature in this area. Professor Sheila McLean, Glasgow University Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law October 2001
Table of ContentsPart 1 In defence of reproductive autonomy. Part 2 Birth control: introduction; regulating access to birth control - United Kingdom, developing countries; defective birth control - defective sterilisation, defective contraception; involuntary birth control - a brief history of eugenic sterilisation, compulsory birth control, sterilisation in cases of incapacity; conclusion. Part 3 Abortion: introduction; the law; access to abortion; special problems - distinguishing between contraception and abortion, are some abortions morally "worse" than others?; conclusion. part 4 Pregnancy and childbirth: introduction; regulation of prenatal care and obstetric services - access and accountability, the medicalisation of pregnancy and childbirth; forced caesarean sections; controlling pregnancy - third parties, "maternal" immunity, "maternal" liability; health promotion - employment, health promotion programmes; conclusion. Part 5 Reproductive technologies: introduction; what is infertility?; what are reproductive technologies? - cryopreservation, assisted insemination by husband/partner, donor insemination, oocyte (egg) donation, in viro fertilisation, gamete intra-fallopian transfer, micromanipulation, cloning; critics of reproductive technologies - unnaturalness, child welfare arguments, the femnist critique; regulation in the UK - controlling the provision of treatment, regulating access, regulating the status and the use of gametes, regulating the status and use of the embryo, parentage, regulating new technologies; conclusion. Part 6 Surrogacy: introduction; the law - commercialisation, status, acquiring legal parenthood, (non) regulation, reform; is surrogacy acceptable? - an option of last resort?, why don't "they" adopt instead?, harm to children?, risk of exploitation, commodification of reproduction; lessons from contract law; conclusion. Postscript.
