Advances in the field of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) have been revolutionary. This book focuses on the use of ARTs in the context of families who seek to conceive a matching sibling donor as a source of tissue to treat an existing sick child. Such children have been referred to as 'saviour siblings'. Considering the legal and regulatory frameworks that impact on the accessibility of this technology in Australia and the UK, the work analyses the ethical and moral issues that arise from the use of the technology for this specific purpose. The author claims the only justification for limiting a family's reproductive liberty in this context is where the exercise of reproductive decision-making results in harm to others. It is argued that the harm principle is the underlying feature of legislative action in Western democratic society, and as such, this principle provides the grounds upon which a strong and persuasive argument is made for a less-restrictive regulatory approach in the context of 'saviour siblings'. The book will be of great relevance and interest to academics, researchers, practitioners and policy makers in the fields of law, ethics, philosophy, science and medicine.

About the Author
Malcolm Smith is Senior Lecturer in Law and a member of the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at Queensland University of Technology. His current research focuses on the legal, regulatory and ethical issues associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). He has published in these and related areas.

Reviews

"In this sensible and cogent analysis, Smith cuts to the heart of what is at stake in the regulation of the deliberate creation of 'saviour siblings'. This elegant book offers a highly stimulating read for anyone interested in this specific issue or in the regulation of assisted reproductive technologies more generally." - Sally Sheldon, Kent University, UK

"This multidisciplinary book provides an innovative and scholarly model for examining the present and future impact of Assisted Reproductive Technologies on the family - the foundation of society. Furthermore, it will appeal to regulators, medical practitioners and lawyers." - Kerry Petersen, La Trobe University, Australia

"This book provides an excellent resource for those who have specific interest in the area of saviour siblings. It also provides valuable analysis for those with a more general interest in questions of creation ethics and how we should regulate reproductive choice. Smith's style is thorough and considered. He challenges accepted wisdom about how we should regulate reproductive activities and provides a clear path forward in this area. I would highly recommend this book." - Sheelagh McGuinness, University of Birmingham, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9781138379886
Author Malcolm K. Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 453g