Theme 

We will delve deep into the intricate web of legal, ethical, and policy matters concerning reproductive rights. Our focus areas include the ever-evolving landscape of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), the ongoing debates surrounding abortion, and the complex dynamics of surrogacy including the trans-border aspects of reproductive care. This conference serves as a gathering point for legal experts, healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates, academics, and anyone passionate about reproductive rights. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, gain insights from renowned experts, and participate in lively debates on these pressing issues. Together, we explore through keynotes and in a ‘world-café’ setting the multifaceted dimensions of reproductive rights and work towards more inclusive and equitable reproductive health care for all. 

Talks and participation of by e.g:  

• Prof. Mary Ziegler  
• Dr. Jennifer Merchant 
• Prof. Amrita Pande  
• Prof. Dr. Guido de Wert 
• Prof. Dr. Heidi Mertes 
• Prof. Michele Goodwin 

Format 

Throughout May 15th and 16th, we will host three sessions focusing on: 

• Reproductive technologies 
• Abortion care 
• Transborder aspects of reproductive care and surrogacy 

Each session starts with an introduction speech followed by a short panel discussion. Next, the discussion table on three allocated subtopics will take place. The table discussion will start with a 10-minute introduction by a speaker who is an expert on the topic. Subsequently, each table will address three concise issues which will be presented in a 5-minute pitch. Following this, there will be a dedicated half-hour discussion for each table. We will end each session with a plenary discussion to bring together the discussions at each table, and any final remarks. 

Abstracts should contain  

• The text (500 words max) should be written in English; 
• The working title of the article;
• Key authors and their institutional affiliations and e-mail addresses;

Topics might include: 

While we encourage you to share unique and groundbreaking work relevant to one of the three main themes above, some common topics to consider are: 

• Reproductive technologies: IVF, non-invasive prenatal tests 
• Research with Embryo’s (consent) 
• Post-mortem reproduction
• Abortion care 
• Late termination  
• Legal-comparison  
• FemTech and reproductive education 
• Transborder aspects of reproductive care and surrogacy 
• Cross-border access and medical tourism 
• Egg and sperm donation 
• Surrogacy 

How to participate  

You are invited to send in the Abstract by 10th of March 2024 via email to Clara Juarez Lopez at lchl@uva.nl, using the subject line “CfA Conference on Reproductive Rights”. 

The Law Centre for Health and life can make a limited contribution of €200 towards coverage of expenses for students, PhD-candidates and other early career researchers if requested. Participants speaking at the conference do not need to register or pay the registration fee.