Reproduction, Childhood & the Law

This course will address a broad spectrum of issues that define the legal, social, and political dimensions of a child s life from conception to the age of majority. After exploring the constitutional foundations of procreation, privacy and parenthood, the first third of the course will focus on the legal implications of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF, including the legal identity of frozen embryos, parental rights in ART cases, and surrogacy. The remainder of the course continue to consider the interrelationship of state, society, family, and child past conception, considering topics such as abortion, medical decision making, child abuse and neglect, foster care, adoption, and juvenile justice. Because this is a writing course, students will have the option of either writing three five page response papers or a 15 page research paper.