Jump to content

Recommended Posts

The boy and his microscope: interpreting section 56(1) of the National Health Act

Donrich Willem Jordaan


Abstract


This article looks at the classic conflict between freedom and propriety with reference to the use of human gametes (sperm and egg cells) in the South African law. The core question that is addressed is whether it is legal to use one?s own gametes, or other?s with their consent, for non-medical, non-sexual-intercourse purposes. This question is answered divergently by the two possible interpretations of the relevant statutory law, section 56(1) of the National Health Act, which is formulated ambivalently. Since these two possible interpretations are representative of the two poles of the freedom-propriety conflict, this matter can be perceived as a test of the depth of South African law?s commitment to the principle of freedom. Section 56(1) is analysed using the applicable common law presumptions, as well as human rights. To illustrate the practical implications of these analyses, a hypothetical case study of a boy who studies sperm cells under his microscope at home is sketched and used throughout the article. The analyses conclude that the interpretation must be followed that answers the core question in the affirmative (in favour of freedom), namely that it is indeed legal to use one?s own gametes, or other?s with their consent, for non-medical, non-sexual-intercourse purposes.


Full Text: PDF


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial Works License.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • If you "cotton on" and read the council announcement, it clearly states "The library will be closed from 17 November until late June or early July 2026."  https://www.southwark.gov.uk/2025/dulwich-library-closing-refurbishment
    • I’ve been seeing Lisa at goose green clinic for energy work for a year now.  Lisa is kind, caring and hugely supportive. She is wonderfully masterful and trained as a reiki master for 20 plus years. Alongside other energy work.  My time spent with her is like therapy. An emotional safe space for deep conversations and reflection followed by relaxing and energising healing work.  each experience I’ve had has been different, the end result remains the same. Feel lighter, almost euphoric and almost float home. Definitely an experience not to be missed.  https://www.goosegreenclinic.net/therapies/healing-energy-work/
    • Went there once and were not impressed when they charged £9 for one pot of Chinese tea for 2 people. 
    • What nobody has cotton onto is that Dulwich library will not be available possibly for the Council Elections in May 26. Looks as though Southwark are not confident that the work will be completed by May 26 and are scouting around to find alternative venues.
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...