Human rights and biomedicine / George P. Smith, II.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, George P., II (George Patrick), 1939- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Medical laws and legislation.

Medical genetics--Law and legislation.

Medical genetics.

Human experimentation in medicine--Law and legislation.

Human experimentation in medicine.

Human rights.

Bioethics.

Medical ethics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource.

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

The Hague, The Netherlands : Kluwer Law International, [2000]

Summary:

The eight chapters within this volume are structured around an exploration of the fundamental issues in the field of biomedical human rights: dignity and autonomy in not only procreative liberties but throughout the complete cycle of life and death, the freedom of scientific inquiry into the new biotechnological methods of collaborative reproduction, the right to genetic integrity at birth and throughout life, and the equitable right to health or access to health care benefits during life and old age. All these central issues are tested, of necessity, but utilitarian principles which, in turn, force the templates for decision making, evaluate the gravity of harm deriving from a particular human right and its recognition and enforcement measured against the utility of the social, economic, or cultural good accruing from recognition of such a right in the first instance. Ultimately, cultural relativism will be seen - more often than universality - as the determinative point of balance. This volume not only informs the ongoing debate on the role of human rights in biomedicine, but will also provide enlightened responses to the troublesome issues presented in this new age of biotechnology.

Contents:

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

1. Universal Human Rights and Biomedicine in Context.

2. Scientific Freedom, Fetal Experimentation, and Collaborative Reproduction.

3. Reproductive Freedoms or Responsibilities.

4. The Developmentally Disabled.

5. Genetic Enhancement or Eugenic Improvement.

6. Safeguarding Genetic Integrity.

7. Elder Health Care.

8. The Last Right - Natural Death or Assisted Suicide.

Index.

About the Author.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9789004480957

9004480951

OCLC:

606547344

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9789004480957 DOI