Free to decide: the positive moral right to reproductive choice

Journal article

Abstract:: The advent of novel assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) has considerably expanded our sphere of control over our reproduction, and consequently, the scope of ethical debate surrounding reproductive choice. The now widespread availability of fertility services and genetic selection, in particular, raises questions regarding what free reproductive choice does and should entail. Whilst a negative form of the right to reproductive choice affords individuals only the right to non-interference from third parties in their reproductive decision-making, a positive moral right demands that its exercisability is ensured—that is, governments have a responsibility to offer support for individuals for whom reproductive choice is limited without additional aid. Here, I propose a new form of a positive moral right, which I argue can also effectively guide policy surrounding access to ARTs for fertility and genetic selection.

Files:: Johnson_2021_Free_to_decide.pdf

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Language:: English
Keywords:: positive liberty

genetic selection

preimplantation genetic diagnosis

in vitro fertilisation

FFR

reproductive rights

assisted reproductive technologies

reproductive freedom
Pubs id:: 1181275
Local pid:: pubs:1181275
Deposit date:: 2021-06-09

Copyright holder:: Johns Hopkins University Press
Notes:: This is the accepted manuscript version of the article. The final version is available online from Johns Hopkins University Press at: https://doi.org/10.1353/ken.2021.0013

Licence:: Terms and Conditions of Use for Oxford University Research Archive

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