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Future fear: prenatal duties imposed by private parties
1Rutgers University.
American Journal of Law & Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Societal shifts increasingly prioritize fetal rights over women's rights, leading to legal actions against pregnant individuals. This analysis explores underlying causes and proposes solutions to protect reproductive autonomy.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Law
- Public Health
Background:
- The intersection of the national abortion debate, rising drug use, homelessness, and a return to conservatism.
- A societal trend increasingly recognizing fetal rights, often at the expense of women's rights.
Observation:
- Pregnant women are increasingly facing criminal charges and physical invasions.
- These actions are undertaken in the name of protecting fetuses.
Findings:
- Sociological forces are driving the trend of prioritizing fetal rights.
- Existing legal frameworks may not adequately protect pregnant women's autonomy.
Implications:
- Potential for private parties to assert legal rights to interfere with pregnant women's behavior.
- Urgent need for legal and policy interventions to prevent such interference and protect reproductive rights.