Journal of Legal Research

Journal of Legal Research

Comparative Study of the Embryo in Vitro Rights in Jurisprudence, Iranian Law and German Law

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Masoud Mirrajabi 1
Hassan Sheikh Mahmoudi 2
Mahdi Sheikh Mahmoudi 2
Mehdi Taleghan Ghaffari 3
1 M.A in Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
3 PhD Student in Private Law, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Iran.
10.48300/jlr.2024.415202.2437
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART), including laboratory-assisted fertilization and fetal research, has raised expectations for many individuals struggling with infertility. However, it has also given rise to complex legal issues and sparked ethical and social debates that demand further clarification. Undoubtedly, laboratory-assisted fertilization represents a relatively new medical field, and ongoing advancements in medicine and emerging opportunities present continuous challenges in addressing these questions. The main question explored in this research is: How is the legal status of laboratory-fertilized embryos viewed in Islamic jurisprudence, Iranian law, and German law? Findings indicate that in Germany, guidelines aim to prevent the creation of surplus embryos. However, specific laws regarding the management of such embryos do not exist. Laboratory surrogacy is prohibited in Germany unless the woman's own oocytes are used in the process. Approving legislation for embryo donation to infertile couples is considered a significant but insufficient step in this context. Several important issues remain unanswered and ambiguous in the current law, requiring attention from lawmakers in subsequent revisions. In Iran, the most significant law is the Act on Embryo Donation, ratified in 2003, which necessitates revision. Regarding Islamic jurisprudence, a comprehensive opinion is challenging due to the lack of consensus on the status of laboratory-fertilized embryos. The research methodology employed here is descriptive-comparative.
Keywords
Laboratory embryo
Fetal Protection Laws
Imamiah Jurisprudence
German Law
Embryo Donation Law
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Journal of Legal Research
Volume 23, Issue 60
Autumn 2024
Pages 595-626