MCE1213 - Regulation and ethics in assisted reproductive technologies

Leader(s): Ms Giuliana Fuscaldo, Dr Sally Catt and Dr Peter Temple-Smith

Offered

Clayton Second semester (extended) 2009 (Day)
Clayton Second semester (extended) 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit examines the current legislation and regulations governing the clinical practice of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and related research, nationally and internationally. It describes the role of ethical frameworks and
principles in health decision-making and analyses regulation in ART with respect to underlying moral and ethical principles. An introduction to ethical problem solving is presented. The major ethical issues raised by assisted reproductive technologies are examined and critically evaluated.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will:

1. Understand the current major legislative and non-legislative schemes for regulating IVF in Australia and have some knowledge of how the Australian situation compares with other countries
2. Be aware of the relevant regulatory bodies and their requirements for licensing, accrediting and approving clinical and ART related research
3. Have a broad understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding IVF, gamete and embryo donation, embryo experimentation, surrogacy, cloning, stem cell research and genetic selection and manipulation
4. Understand the role of ethics in health care and legal decision-making and be familiar with the main ethical frameworks and principles used in analysing conflicts and solving problems
5. Have developed the confidence to evaluate critically the ethical concerns raised by current ART practices and the future prospects for this technology in Australia and around the world
6. Be aware of their social and ethical responsibilities as a health care professional and with regard to patient care

Assessment

Written examination (50%)
Essay (25%)
Debate (25%)

Contact hours

16h contact per week (lectures, tutorials, debates, self-directed study)