Criminal aspects of assisted reproduction

The concept of assisted reproduction is widely discussed by both professional and lay public. New scientific discoveries in the fields of biology and medicine as well as the use of methods and procedures that enable the emergence of new life raise number of issues, not only the legal ones. The purpose of this thesis is to provide the comprehensive survey of criminal law relationships which may arise in the context of providing the assisted reproduction. The thesis examines whether the current legislation guarantees sufficient protection of relations, interests and values covered by the Criminal Code. Within the analysis of crimes the thesis deals with the need for criminal repression and gives proposals de lege ferenda. The thesis is composed of five chapters. The first chapter is subdivided into two parts. Part One defines the concept of assisted reproduction, describes the historical overview of the events that preceded the current interpretation of the concept and explicates basic medical terminology related to the chosen topic. Part Two presents the basic principles on which the Czech regulation is established and contains specification of the relevant sources of law. The second chapter briefly characterizes the criminal and medical law and clarifies their relationship. The third chapter deals with the..