The course will be grounded in a socio-legal approach; this allows students to: Gain knowledge and critical understanding of the relationship between law and reproduction in the United Kingdom. Think critically and analytically about the historical, cultural, and ethical underpinnings of how reproduction is regulated. Understand and examine arguments concerning reproductive liberty, reproductive justice and bodily integrity in relation to the regulation of sexual and reproductive health.  Think critically about the interplay between public and private choices and specifically the place of law in regulating intimate activities. Critically assess the concepts of privacy, liberty, integrity and justice as applied in the sphere of reproduction.

(LO1) Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the relationship between law and reproduction

(LO2) Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of how UK law regulates reproductive decision-making

(LO3) Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation, cases and governing bodies which operate in the field,

(LO4) Demonstrate a critical knowledge and understanding of how human rights norms and EU law impact on domestic decision-making.

(LO5) Demonstrate an ability to  critically appraise key underpinning ethical or theoretical  principles such as reproductive autonomy, reproductive justice and protection of bodily integrity 

(S1) Independent learning

(S2) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S3) Communication Skills

(S4) Critical Analysis

(S5) Ethical Awareness

The module will cover the following   (indicative) topics:

Introduction (Legal responses to non-consensual caesareans)

The 1967 Abortion Act: Medicalisation

Decriminalising Abortion: Northern Ireland and GB

Abortion as a Human Rights Issue

Sterilisation and forced contraception

HFEA & Regulating Assisted Conception I

HFEA & Regulating Assisted Conception II

Regulating Ectogenesis

Uterus transplantation and the right to reproduce

Regulating Surrogacy

Conscientious Refusal to Provide Sexual and Reproductive Health Care

Revision and Feedback/guidance

The module will according to the same seminar pattern as 2019-20. This means asynchronous materials are prepared and given in advance of the two hour, weekly seminar.
The weekly seminar can either take place online or in a face-to-face setting, depending on the circumstances.

No change - 12 x 2 hr sessions = 24 hours
Seminars
Seminars will be synchronous (either face-to-face or online) and will work on the assumption that students have completed their assigned reading tasks in advance (from asynchronous material provided in advance). In a change from previous years, all seminars will a case that is discussed at length, in order to align them constructively with the end-of-module assessment.
Asynchronous material
Canvas will be used to provide asynchronous materials weekly in advance of the weekly seminar (which will be online or face to face).