FS 2026
Law, Reproduction and Ethics: Fundamental Debates
The course “Law, Reproduction and Ethics: Fundamental Debates” will take place in March 2026. It will be held in English and is directed to Master and doctoral students.
To foster an open and interactive learning environment, the course will be held in person.
The course will be led by Prof. Dr. med. Tommaso Cavazza, Prof. Dr. iur. Alice Margaria and Dr. iur. Marie-Hélène Peter-Spiess.
Course Description
Advancements in reproductive medicine have given rise to significant legal and ethical dilemmas. Legal frameworks governing this area are heterogenous and often lag behind the rapid pace of scientific progress and societal changes. This has led to legal gaps – often filled in by individual autonomy and practices – or to the imposition of ineffective legal prohibitions – often circumvented by crossing national borders in pursuit of (more) permissive legal regulations. These dynamics highlight the urgent need for deeper reflection on the ethical dimensions of reproductive technologies and practices.
In light of this context, this course adopts a transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to critically examine some of the most pressing issues at the intersection of reproduction, law, and ethics. It begins with a lecture by a reproductive biologist and a visit to a research laboratory working in the field. The curriculum will then examine the legal frameworks governing reproductive medicine in Switzerland and abroad, alongside internationally relevant topics such as trans procreation, ectogestation, and gene editing.
This transdisciplinary approach is further reinforced by welcoming both law and biology students into the course, and by fostering open, interactive dialogue between lecturers and students.
Prior knowledge in the areas of family law and/or medical law is an asset, but not essential.
Course Dates and Times
Date / Room |
Time |
12 March 2026 |
13.00–18.00 |
13 March 2026 |
13.00–18.00 |
19 March 2025 |
13.00–18.00 |
19 March 2025 - Guest Lecture by Raquel Medina Plana |
18.15–19.30 |
20 March 2026 |
08.15–13.00 |
26 March 2026 |
13.00–18.00 |
27 March 2026 |
08.30–13.00 |
Course Materials
Mandatory and optional reading materials will be made available on OLAT. They will include case law, legal as well as non-legal scholarship.
Assessment Framework
- 70% of the grade will be based in a final oral examination (graded);
- 30% of the grade will be based on attendance, including active class participation (on a pass/fail basis).