Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 2
2 Problem Statement ............................................................................................... 3
3 Hypothesis ............................................................................................................ 3
4 Points of Departure and Assumptions .................................................................. 4
5 Conceptualization of Central Research Themes................................................... .5
5.1 Legal and Ethical Frameworks of Surrogacy..................................................... 5
5.2 Ethical Considerations and Social Implications .................................................6
5.3 Legal Protections and Gaps ................................................................................6
.
6 Proposed Chapter Outlay ......................................................................................7
7 Proposed timeline ................................................................................................. 8
8 Outline of Research Methodology Proposal ......................................................... 9
9 Preparatory Study................................................................................................. 10
10 Conclusion..........................................................................................................12
11 Bibliography........................................................................................................15
1
, A Comparative Study on the Parental Rights of Children Born via
Surrogacy in
South Africa and England
1 Introduction
Acknowledging the changing landscape of families and the growing reliance on
assisted reproductive technologies, this study recognizes the significant influence of
constitutional and legal frameworks in shaping the rights and obligations related to
surrogacy. Specifically, the 1996 Constitution of South Africa, with its emphasis on
equality, children's rights, reproductive decision-making, privacy, and healthcare
access, forms a foundational basis for understanding the legal intricacies of
surrogacy. The aim of this research is not only to compare the legal approaches to
surrogacy in South Africa and England but also to emphasize how constitutional
principles guide and impact the legal acknowledgment and protection of parental
rights in surrogacy arrangements. By incorporating this constitutional perspective into
our analysis, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal framework
governing surrogacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning legal structures with
principles of human dignity, equality, and the best interests of the child.
The dynamics of family structures have undergone significant changes in recent
years, accompanied by the rapid development and increasing reliance on assisted
reproductive technologies such as surrogacy. At the core of this transformation are
the evolving legal frameworks designed to address and accommodate these
emerging family models. A poignant example of the complexities and challenges
within this domain is the experience of same-sex couples navigating the aftermath of
surrogacy. This study explores the parental rights associated with children conceived
through surrogacy, focusing particularly on a comparative analysis between the legal
systems of England and South Africa. Through a historical lens, our research aims to
illuminate the evolution of surrogacy laws and their current implications.
By meticulously examining crucial legal documents and reforms, including the South
African Law Commission Reform Reports and The Constitution, this study aims to
dissect the legal aspects surrounding surrogacy within these jurisdictions. This
investigation goes beyond a mere legal analysis, seeking to uncover and critique
potential shortcomings within the legislative frameworks governing parental rights
post-surrogacy.
Through navigation of these legal landscapes, the research endeavors to provide
insightful recommendations that address identified gaps and challenges. The
objective is to contribute to the ongoing discussion on surrogacy laws, advocating for
2
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................... 2
2 Problem Statement ............................................................................................... 3
3 Hypothesis ............................................................................................................ 3
4 Points of Departure and Assumptions .................................................................. 4
5 Conceptualization of Central Research Themes................................................... .5
5.1 Legal and Ethical Frameworks of Surrogacy..................................................... 5
5.2 Ethical Considerations and Social Implications .................................................6
5.3 Legal Protections and Gaps ................................................................................6
.
6 Proposed Chapter Outlay ......................................................................................7
7 Proposed timeline ................................................................................................. 8
8 Outline of Research Methodology Proposal ......................................................... 9
9 Preparatory Study................................................................................................. 10
10 Conclusion..........................................................................................................12
11 Bibliography........................................................................................................15
1
, A Comparative Study on the Parental Rights of Children Born via
Surrogacy in
South Africa and England
1 Introduction
Acknowledging the changing landscape of families and the growing reliance on
assisted reproductive technologies, this study recognizes the significant influence of
constitutional and legal frameworks in shaping the rights and obligations related to
surrogacy. Specifically, the 1996 Constitution of South Africa, with its emphasis on
equality, children's rights, reproductive decision-making, privacy, and healthcare
access, forms a foundational basis for understanding the legal intricacies of
surrogacy. The aim of this research is not only to compare the legal approaches to
surrogacy in South Africa and England but also to emphasize how constitutional
principles guide and impact the legal acknowledgment and protection of parental
rights in surrogacy arrangements. By incorporating this constitutional perspective into
our analysis, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal framework
governing surrogacy, emphasizing the importance of aligning legal structures with
principles of human dignity, equality, and the best interests of the child.
The dynamics of family structures have undergone significant changes in recent
years, accompanied by the rapid development and increasing reliance on assisted
reproductive technologies such as surrogacy. At the core of this transformation are
the evolving legal frameworks designed to address and accommodate these
emerging family models. A poignant example of the complexities and challenges
within this domain is the experience of same-sex couples navigating the aftermath of
surrogacy. This study explores the parental rights associated with children conceived
through surrogacy, focusing particularly on a comparative analysis between the legal
systems of England and South Africa. Through a historical lens, our research aims to
illuminate the evolution of surrogacy laws and their current implications.
By meticulously examining crucial legal documents and reforms, including the South
African Law Commission Reform Reports and The Constitution, this study aims to
dissect the legal aspects surrounding surrogacy within these jurisdictions. This
investigation goes beyond a mere legal analysis, seeking to uncover and critique
potential shortcomings within the legislative frameworks governing parental rights
post-surrogacy.
Through navigation of these legal landscapes, the research endeavors to provide
insightful recommendations that address identified gaps and challenges. The
objective is to contribute to the ongoing discussion on surrogacy laws, advocating for
2
