Virtual, Penn Bioethics Seminar Series (PBS): Myrisha Lewis, JD. Ethical, Legislative, and Political Responses to Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetic Innovation

Ethical, Legislative, and Political Responses to Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetic Innovation

Myrisha Lewis, JD

Professor of Law
William & Mary Law School

Many societally accepted techniques, like dialysis, vaccination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), organ transplantation, and artificial insemination were quite controversial at inception and for decades after.  Yet, these treatments flourished without significant governmental legal intervention and sometimes enjoyed government funding. The aforementioned medical techniques have today attained overall public acceptance, permissive legal treatment, and even health insurance coverage in some cases.

     Unlike those now-routine treatments, medical treatments involving reproductive genetic innovation face intense regulatory barriers.  Reproductive genetic innovation, which is the combination of IVF and genetic substitution or modification, is also notable for being accompanied by the continued call of scientists, regulators, and individuals for a “societal discourse.”  This workshop considers the influence of politics and morality on the law and regulation.  The workshop also analyzes ways to adapt the tools of comparative administrative law and public participation to prescribe methods for a potential societal consultation on reproductive genetic innovation.