28 October 2024 – Lancaster University, United Kingdom
On October 28, 2024, the interdisciplinary conference „The Future of Human Reproduction” was held at Lancaster University, United Kingdom. Convened by Dr. Anna McFarlane in collaboration with the Future of Human Reproduction Project, the conference brought together scholars from diverse disciplines to examine the intersections of speculative fiction, environmental crises, technology, and law. Over two days, attendees explored topics such as the societal and legal implications of reproductive technologies, the influence of speculative fiction on cultural perceptions of reproduction, and the ethical considerations surrounding human procreation in a rapidly changing world. This event served as a unique platform for addressing the rapidly evolving intersections between speculative fiction, environmental crises, advancing technologies, and their implications for law and society. Over the course of the conference, scholars, researchers, and practitioners from diverse fields explored how speculative and futuristic themes intersect with contemporary issues in human reproduction, pregnancy, and birth. Panels such as Speculative Biologies and Reproductive Technologies delved into the cultural and ethical questions posed by cloning and advanced reproductive technologies. Collectively, these discussions illuminated both the hopeful and horrific possibilities of reproductive technologies in speculative narratives.
The panel on Reproductive Rights and the Law explored historical and contemporary frameworks of reproductive justice.
The conference highlighted pressing topics such as the role of law in regulating assisted reproductive technologies (ART), ethical concerns arising from emerging reproductive possibilities, and the societal impacts of technological advancements in family structures. The event provided attendees with an opportunity to discuss these issues from multidisciplinary perspectives, fostering collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by modern reproductive innovations.
As part of this event, Doc. JUDr. PhDr. Lilla Garayová, PhD. LL.M., presented her research on „Legal Parenthood and the Future of Human Reproduction.” Her presentation examined how advancements in ART are poised to challenge and redefine traditional legal constructs of parenthood. Drawing on her expertise in international law and her role within the Central European Professors’ Network, she engaged the audience in a critical discussion on the need for legal systems to adapt while preserving foundational societal values. By emphasizing the importance of child-centric legal frameworks and ethical considerations, the presentation highlighted the balance required to address the complexities introduced by ART technologies.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the dissemination activity at the conference were as follows:
- To Share Research Findings:
- Present the initial findings of research conducted within the Central European Professors’ Network, specifically focusing on the legal and ethical challenges posed by advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
- To Foster Interdisciplinary Dialogue:
- Engage with scholars from diverse disciplines, including law, bioethics, and speculative fiction, to explore the broader implications of ART on society and family structures.
- To Highlight Child-Centric Legal Frameworks:
- Advocate for the inclusion of child-centric principles in legal frameworks, emphasizing the need to balance reproductive autonomy with the protection of children’s rights and welfare.
- To Promote Collaborative Research:
- Strengthen connections between members of the Central European Professors’ Network and other international researchers to encourage cross-border academic collaboration on ART and family law.
- To Raise Awareness:
- Increase visibility of the Central European Professors’ Network’s ongoing projects and publications, showcasing its contributions to addressing the complexities of ART within Central and Eastern Europe.
These objectives aligned with the overarching goals of the conference, ensuring that the research and insights shared during the presentation contributed meaningfully to the academic and professional discourse on the future of human reproduction.
Key Highlights of the Presentation
The presentation titled „Legal Parenthood and the Future of Human Reproduction” addressed the transformative potential of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) on legal frameworks governing parenthood. Key highlights included:
- Traditional Foundations of Parenthood:
- Emphasized the enduring relevance of the Roman law principle mater semper certa est, pater incertus („the mother is always certain, the father uncertain”) in defining legal parenthood. This principle underscores the centrality of birth in determining motherhood, a foundation now challenged by technological advances.
- Highlighted how this principle provides clarity but is increasingly strained by ART, necessitating a more nuanced legal understanding of parenthood.
- Emerging Challenges to Legal Constructs:
- Explored the impact of uterus transplantation, in vitro gametogenesis, and ectogenesis on traditional parenthood definitions, noting how these technologies decouple biological, gestational, and social roles.
- Examined scenarios where genetic, gestational, and social parenthood may belong to different individuals, creating unprecedented legal complexities.
- Child-Centric Legal Frameworks:
- Advocated for prioritizing the rights and welfare of children born through ART, ensuring legal frameworks guarantee clarity in parentage and access to genetic origins.
- Stressed the importance of embedding child-centric principles in ART-related laws to address the unique vulnerabilities of children in non-traditional family structures.
- Ethical and Societal Considerations:
- Addressed key ethical concerns, including consent processes for ART procedures, the commodification of reproductive capacities, and societal acceptance of novel family models.
- Discussed the moral implications of creating embryos for research purposes or designing offspring with specific traits.
- Balancing Tradition with Innovation:
- Proposed a balanced approach that respects traditional family values while accommodating technological advancements, aiming to harmonize societal norms with modern realities.
- Highlighted the potential pitfalls of reactive legal reforms and emphasized the need for proactive, ethically grounded legal frameworks.
- Speculative Scenarios and Legal Preparedness:
- Delved into hypothetical advancements, such as creating gametes from non-reproductive cells or achieving complete gestation outside the human body, and their potential to challenge existing legal frameworks.
- Discussed how speculative scenarios, while futuristic, offer critical insights for preparing adaptive legal systems.
- Regulatory Recommendations:
- Suggested specific measures for regulatory adaptation, including comprehensive laws that address ART-related disputes, robust guidelines on parental rights and responsibilities, and international cooperation to standardize ART regulations.
- Advocated for integrating ART discussions into broader human rights frameworks to ensure equitable access and protection for all stakeholders.
The presentation successfully engaged the audience, sparking thoughtful dialogue on the interplay between legal tradition, ethical considerations, and the transformative potential of ART. The presentation was an important moment for sharing the research achievements of the Central European Academy, especially its dedication to tackling the complex legal and ethical questions around assisted reproductive technologies. The presentation demonstrated the CEA’s commitment to research excellence. It underscored the hard work and collaboration behind the Academy’s efforts to explore ART and its impact on legal systems, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. It also solidified the CEA’s reputation as a leader in addressing modern legal challenges with practical, policy-focused solutions. What made the event especially meaningful was its global reach. By bringing the CEA’s research to an audience of academics, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world, it opened up conversations about the relevance of Central European perspectives in the international debate on ART, ethics, and law.
Another highlight was the emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration—a cornerstone of the CEA’s approach. By blending insights from law, bioethics, and technology, the presentation encouraged attendees to think about the bigger picture and consider how ART affects society at large.
The presentation also put a spotlight on the CEA’s upcoming open-access publication on ART and legal frameworks, building anticipation for its release. It gave the audience a chance to learn more about ongoing projects, ensuring that the Academy’s work resonates beyond academia and reaches decision-makers who can turn ideas into action.
Conclusion
The dissemination activity at the Lancaster University conference achieved its primary objectives, serving as a platform to explore the transformative potential of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and their implications for legal frameworks. The presentation by Lilla Garayová highlighted the critical need for legal systems to adapt to rapidly advancing reproductive technologies while ensuring ethical integrity and prioritizing the welfare of children.
The conference underscored the importance of interdisciplinary and forward-thinking approaches to addressing the complexities introduced by ART. It demonstrated how speculative and futuristic themes could inform practical legal and ethical solutions, ensuring that evolving technologies align with societal values and human rights.
The event was a resounding success, not only in disseminating the findings of the Central European Professors’ Network but also in shaping the global discourse on ART and legal parenthood. This dissemination activity has paved the way for future collaborations and provided a foundation for further research and policy development in this critical area of family law.
