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

    • It wasn't an antique and bric-a-bac shop but an antique market with a number of different traders, the cafe supported all the dealers in bringing in custom, and was good enough to generate trade for them. It was Rodney Franklin's and his partners enterprise, he previously had an antique shop in Queenstown Road in Battersea. His late wife ran the cafe (she was a very fine actress, it was a 'resting' job).  It was on the corner of a junction on the left as you head towards Camberwell. And almost opposite, if memory serves at all, an MFI style furniture outlet. 
    • i used to go there in the late 80's and '90s (?) the food was served cafeteria style and there was limited choice, but what there was alays tasted amazing!  The garden was an absolute paradise, you could sit in it to lunch in the summer!  i've tried to locate its site but Walworth Road has changed so much since then - does anyone remember the house number?
    • This is very true. For some people, not even just the elderly, their pet/s may be their most important companion. 
    • Be thankful for the NHS. This is the price to treat a dog or cat. Imagine what it might be to treat a human being with cancer
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

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