Document Detail


Procreative torts: enhancing the common-law protection for reproductive autonomy.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  12774812     Owner:  KIE     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Roe v. Wade's twenty-fifth anniversary is likely to herald widespread scholarly commentary on the decision's continued vitality and the future of abortion in the United States. However, if such commentary focuses solely upon the constitutional dimensions and political aspects of a woman's right to privacy, an important dimension of this right will be overlooked. Few commentators have considered the extent to which tort law safeguards a woman's interest in reproductive autonomy. In this article, Professor Northern argues that the interest in reproductive autonomy has not yet received the full protection to which it is entitled and that tort law is poised to evolve distinct causes of action for the interference with procreative autonomy interests. Professor Northern begins with an overview of the medical and psychological literature on abortion-related risks. She goes on to discuss current trends in abortion malpractice litigation. The author then reviews the three basic types of malpractice causes of action--battery, negligence, and lack of informed consent--and explores their application to abortion malpractice claims. The focus of the article then shifts to the development of specialized procreative torts, and Professor Northern contends that courts should go beyond previous decisions to redress any substantial interference with procreative autonomy. Finally, the author asserts that legislative alternatives to the common-law development of procreative torts, such as right-to-know statutes, are less protective of women's interests. Professor Northern concludes that tort law could and should be used to more fully protect women's interests in procreative autonomy.
Authors:
K S Northern
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  University of Illinois law review     Volume:  1998     ISSN:  0276-9948     ISO Abbreviation:  Univ Ill Law Rev     Publication Date:  1998  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2003-05-29     Completed Date:  2003-07-16     Revised Date:  2004-11-17    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  100972221     Medline TA:  Univ Ill Law Rev     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  489-546     Citation Subset:  E    
Affiliation:
The Ohio State University College of Law, USA.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Abortion, Induced / adverse effects,  legislation & jurisprudence*,  psychology
Compensation and Redress
Counseling / legislation & jurisprudence
Decision Making
Disclosure / legislation & jurisprudence*
Female
Humans
Informed Consent / legislation & jurisprudence*
Liability, Legal*
Malpractice / legislation & jurisprudence*
Personal Autonomy
Pregnancy
Risk
United States
Wrongful Life

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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