Reproductive autonomy in the European legal context: A multidimensional approach.

This research analyses the legal translation of reproductive autonomy in European legal frameworks through a multidimensional lens. It integrates individual, social/relational, institutional, and societal dimensions to address the multiplicity of factors that influence the experience and protection of reproductive autonomy. While theoretical developments in philosophy, bioethics, and feminist theory support broad understandings of reproductive autonomy, the legal implications of this notion remain uncertain. National legal approaches vary, with some European jurisdictions expanding and others restricting the contours of autonomy, while the European Court of Human Rights has yet to substantively address some of its key dimensions. This project examines how a multidimensional framework of reproductive autonomy can be incorporated into legal systems to strengthen reproductive rights within the Council of Europe. By analysing national legal and policy frameworks in France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, it identifies good practices and challenges. It also evaluates ECtHR case law on abortion, contraception and medically assisted reproduction to understand its responsiveness to evolving meanings of reproductive autonomy, while acknowledging the limitations of supranational frameworks.

Keywords:FEMINIST THEORIES, AUTONOMY, HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

Disciplines:Civil law, Human rights law, International law, Legal theory, jurisprudence and legal interpretation, Bioethics