Reproductive Freedom in the Context of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (International Studies in Human Rights)

This is an investigation of reproductive freedom in the light of 1990s international law. The author discusses reproductive freedom in the context of feminist legal theory, international human rights and humanitarian law. She takes a holistic approach to legal abortion, medically assisted reproduction, surrogate motherhood, and forced pregnancy during armed conflicts. The author's aim is to advance debates about gender equality and reproductive rights, and to deepen the analysis of the legal concepts involved. In surveying the international commitment to women's rights and examining critically the way in which international global and regional human rights bodies and ad hoc international tribunals deal with issues pertaining to reproductive freedom and sexual violence, this volume makes clear to what extent contemporary international law norms may be used as a tool for change, and how they need to be adapted to meet the special needs of girls and women worldwide. Finally, the book explores what improvements are necessary to prevent and protect adolescents, women and men, against violation of their reproductive freedom.