Constraints On Parental Autonomy: A Case Study of Preimplantation Diagnosis Law in The Netherlands

Abstract

In this thesis I attempt to illustrate the problematic stance of the Dutch government regarding their (lack of) justification for the restrictions on PGD. Despite several pleas from Dutch interest groups there has been no revision of the ethical stance, nor an improved justification for the limitation of parental autonomy. I discuss several types of parental autonomy and argue that limitation on autonomy itself is not the problem. Rather, the lack of involvement of parents and the speculative character of philosophical discussion render the provision of a justification almost impossible. I suggest two ways in which the discussion can be improved. I conclude with a discussion of some of the limitations caused by the length of this thesis, and others caused by conceptual or practical questions that deserve attention in order to contribute to a better case for a new way in which the Dutch government treats parents, and their autonomy.