MEDICAL LAW

Medical Law

Medical Law

In this article we will discuss the extent to which law allows autonomous decision making and the problems faced by people in reproduction. The arguments supporting reproductive law are mainly embraced by those incapable of conceiving a baby through sexual intercourse. Scientists and researchers are also in favor of these new ways of reproductive law because of their involvement and interest in this new form of law. The basis for the argument resides on the fact that alternative methods are inadequate and that this new form of law can provide couples with their desire to have their own child as opposed to adopting a child.

The problem unique to adoption is that these cases involve an existing child, and in most cases, existing parents. In the words of Barbara Katz Rothman "For every pair of welcoming arms, there is a pair of empty arms. For every baby taken in, there is a baby given up". With the use of these new reproductive technologies, parents can now have their own baby instead of the painful and emotionally hard process of adopting a child. In addition, studies show that families with adopted children have a more difficult time coping with problem in hard times. Many adopted children grow up to feel abandoned by their parents and incur feelings of despair, especially when they come to realize that they are adopted.( Joshua, 1996 520)

A national survey concerning reproductive law was conducted in April 2001. The survey found that the vast majority of Canadians are in favor of using donated human embryos for stem cell research as long as the practice is regulated. The national survey also found that most Canadians want the federal government to outlaw human cloning and a controversial medical practice that allows would-be parents to choose the sex of their baby. The survey shows strong support for the government to establish a regulatory agency that would oversee the country's fertility clinics, reproductive technologies and embryonic research. The highlights of the poll are as follows: 

When asked to assess their knowledge of reproductive law on a scale of one to 10, the average response was 4.8 . As we can see, there is a consensus for allowing reproductive law in Canada. However, the importance here is that not all reproductive technologies are argued in favor of.

Arguments "Against" Reproductive Law

There are many negative attitudes towards reproductive technologies. The most predominant reasons why people argue against reproductive technologies are that there are many unknown risks involved with the process of creating these new forms of reproductive law. So far, testing has been done on animals only and it would be hard to quantify the benefits of reproductive benefits today. Many argue that reproductive law commodify children. Also, there are arguments to believe that exploitation of children, women and men for commercial ends, raise health and ethical concerns. There is a concern to preserve and protect "human individuality and diversity, and the integrity of the human ...