Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Do you own your body? Advances in science and the development of genetic databases have added an aura of modern controversy to this long-standing and, as yet, unresolved problem. In particular, English law governing separated human tissue, including body parts and cell-lines, is unsatisfactory. Despite the enactment of the Human Tissue Act 2004 UK, it remains uncertain what property rights living persons can claim over their separated human tissue. The development of clear legal principles is necessary so that individuals can have effective control over human tissue separated from their bodies while also enabling the efficient use of such materials in medical research. Part I of Law and the Human Body traces the evolution of English, US, Canadian, and Australian law in relation to human tissue separated from living persons and dead bodies. This includes a comprehensive examination of the Human Tissue Act 2004 UK as well as prominent judicial decisions, including Re Organ Retention Grou