Donor-Assisted Human Reproduction (DAHR) and the Law (2017)

Tabs

Project

Location:

University of Limerick

Project Leader:

Dr Lydia Bracken

Contact:

Lydia.Bracken@ul.ie

What we're doing:

This project will produce a plain-English information booklet explaining the provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 that relate to donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR). The booklet is designed to help stakeholders to understand the main legal changes introduced by the 2015 Act and to explain how the Act will apply to existing and prospective parents, gamete donors and donor-conceived children once it is commenced. 8 final-year Law Plus students will research the law relating to DAHR and will use their knowledge to produce the information booklet under the direction of a lecturer from the School of Law.

Why are we doing it:

The information booklet produced as part of this project will assist in explaining the provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 that relate to donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) to a non-legal audience. Almost 40 sections of the 2015 Act apply to DAHR making it difficult to navigate. The information booklet will provide information for existing and intending parents, gamete donors and donor-conceived children helping them to understand the main legal changes introduced by the 2015 Act. As part of this project, students will engage in both independent and collaborative research, thereby enhancing their capacity for critical thought and evaluation. The project will allow them to hone their research and communication skills and to use their research to benefit community stakeholders.

Who we're working with:

The National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG). NISIG will provide guidance and expert advice on the research undertaken. The booklet will be presented to NISIG upon completion.

How well are we doing:

The project is evaluated through the submission of reflective journals, presentations and research conducted on the final information booklet.

Learning

Module Code:

BR4104 AHSS SPRING PRACTICUM

Credits:

6 ECTS

Practicum Placements:

Faculty:

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS)

Department:

School of Law

What will you do on this practicum?:

Students will research the law relating to donor-assisted human reproduction in Ireland and produce an information booklet setting out the legal impact of the law on parents and prospective parents, gamete donors and donor-conceived children.

Why will you do this work?:

The information booklet will allow you to convey your legal knowledge to non-legal stakeholders to help them to understand their legal rights and interests in accessible language. You will work collaboratively with a group of your peers to produce the information booklet. As such, you will engage in both independent research as well as collaborative learning. You will learn from one another to reach creative solutions to practical problems. Submission of reflective journals will allow you to reflect on your learning and to identify any difficulties encountered in conducting your research. Presentations will allow you to practice and refine your communication skills.

Who will you be working with?:

The National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG) will provide guidance and expert advice on the research undertaken. The booklet will be presented to NISIG upon completion.

How will your work be evaluated?:

Your work will be evaluated through the submission of reflective journals, presentations and research conducted on the final information booklet.

Research

Project Keywords:

Donor-assisted human reproduction; DAHR; law.

What is the research associated with this project?:

Students will research the law relating to donor-assisted human reproduction as set out in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 and produce an information booklet to help stakeholders to understand the main legal changes introduced by that Act once it is commenced. The research will include topics such as the allocation of parentage and the law concerning identity rights.

Why is this project necessary?:

This project is necessary to help existing and prospective parents, gamete donors and donor-conceived children understand the legal changes introduced by the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015.

Who is collaborating on this project?:

The National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG)

How is this project being evaluated?:

The project is evaluated through the submission of reflective journals, presentations and research conducted on the final information booklet.

Partners