The curriculum will focus on the issues of reproductive rights, reproductive justice and the appropriate limits on reproductive autonomy. Topics covered will include moral and legal status of the embryo and fetus and the 'right to life' as it applies in this context; the regulation of embryo research and assisted reproductive technologies; surrogacy; contraception, abortion, sterilisation and the legal regulation of pregnancy.
Contact Hours: 18
Private Study Hours: 182
Total Study Hours: 200
LLM in (Specialisation); LLM in Law; PG Diploma in (Specialisation); PG Certificate in Law - Optional
MSc Reproductive Medicine - Compulsory
Main assessment methods
Option 1:
Assessment 5,000 words (100%)
Option 2:
Blog/Briefing Note assessment: 1,000 words (20%)
Essay: 4,000 words (80%)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
• Rebecca J Cook, Bernard Dickens and Mahmoud F Fathalla, Reproductive Health and Human Rights (2003)
• Ruth Deech and Anna Smajdor, From IVF to immortality: controversy in the era of reproductive technology (2007)
• Emily Jackson, Text and Materials in Medical Law (5th edition, 2019).
• Emily Jackson, Regulating reproduction: law, technology and autonomy (2001)
• Loretta Ross, Rickie Solinger, Reproductive Justice: An Introduction (2017)
• Deborah Rhode, 'Reproductive Justice' 13 Stan. J. C.R. & C.L. 29 (2017)
• Dorothy Roberts 'Reproductive Justice, Not Just Rights' 62 Dissent (2015)
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the legal regulation of reproduction and the ethical principles upon which this regulation is based.
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of human rights law as it applies to the legal regulation of reproduction.
3. Demonstrate critical insight into the broader social, political and economic factors that impact on the legal regulation of reproduction.
4. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of current and continuing debates over the appropriate limits upon reproductive autonomy.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the application and practice of law within different contexts and from different perspectives;
2. Identify relevant issues from complex factual situations;
3. Undertake independent and original research;
4. Formulate reasoned, critical arguments – demonstrating originality in the application of knowledge;
5. Analyse complex problems from a range of different theoretical perspectives and disciplinary approaches.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
