Legal status of the foetus in English law and under the human rights act Flashcards
At what stage in its development does the foetus gain own legal rights in the UK?
Only gains legal rights after it can survive independently from its mother
What does DoH advise regarding a pregnant woman refusing treatment?
If mother with capacity refuses treatment this decision must be respected (except in situations defined by Mental Health Act), even if this results in death of mother and/or unborn child at any pregnancy stage
What 4 actions regarding pregnancy can a father do, only after gaining consent from the mother?
Access medical records relating to pregnancy
Attend medical appointments with mother eg. scans
Be present at/notified of birth
Visit mother and baby in hospital after birth
What 4 actions regarding pregnancy does the father have no rights over?
making decisions/contacts to pregnancy,
whether mother consents to termination, travelling abroad, receiving medical treatment
In USA, when does the foetus generally develop own rights?
8 weeks after conception
Describe access to abortion, according to Roe vs Wade 1973?
Womens’ access to abortion is constitutional right, with some autonomy restrictions
Describe access to abortion, according to overturning of Roe vs Wade in June 2022?
Right to abortion is no longer afforded protection as a constitutional right, so leaves individual US states free to introduce legislation which makes abortion illegal there and/or restricts access to abortion
