Legal relations in the field of human reproductive activity

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of legal relations in the field of human reproductive activity by studying international and national legal regulation and changes in legal standards caused by the coronavirus crisis. Genesis of the legal regulation of human rights to reproduction has been studied and axiological and value determinants of legal relations in the field of reproductive activity have been determined. Current international standards are positioned as legal standards that affect the ability to determine the number of children, the intervals between their births, the provision of reproductive and sexual health, as well as the relationship regarding the preservation of their own genetic material. It is motivated that international norms establish the autonomy of women for the right to perform abortion in particular and the right to individual determination of human reproductive function in general. In particular, it is substantiated that despite considerable scientific advances, especially in the molecular sphere, reproductive activity as a system requires multidimensional study, including its spatial and temporal definition. In addition, issues related to research in the field of stem cell biology, microfluidics, integration of unicellular transcriptomics, etc. are relevant today, which will help to determine the normal and healthy functioning of human reproductive function. In particular, it will allow studying external impacts and diseases, including endocrine disorders in the body and aging. The national legal norms concerning the right to abortion and other rights in this field are studied. The article is based on the materials of a survey based on author’s questionnaires conducted to determine the level of realization of their reproductive rights by Ukrainian citizens during the pandemic caused by COVID-19. It is proved that the legal policy of states on reproductive rights during pandemic threats has transformed the possibility of free exercise of reproductive law. Today there is a problem of access to reproductive procedures, in particular due to their postponement indefinitely as non-priority, due to the inaccessibility of health authorities, social distance and the ban on crossing the state border, requirement for testing.