Legislating science and morality : statutory schemes for the regulation of reproductive technology in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom

Reproductive and genetic technologies ("RGTs") raise many complex social, legal and ethical issues. Several jurisdictions have perceived a need for government intervention and regulation of the conduct of RGTs, and consequently have enacted legislation to this end. In three states in Australia (Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia) and in the United Kingdom, legislation has been introduced which imposes a regulatory scheme according to which RGTs must be practised in each jurisdiction. Legislation based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies is currently before the Canadian parliament.This thesis examines from a comparative perspective the proposed legislation in Canada and legislation enacted in the United Kingdom and the Australian states to govern the conduct of RGTs. Particular emphasis is given to the manner in which the legislation seeks to deal with the rapid pace of scientific development and with moral pluralism. The focus of the thesis is on the effectiveness of the legislation in these jurisdictions in light of the relationships between law and science and law and morality