The principal aim of this module is to foster an in-depth knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of some legal and ethical issues affecting women’s health and healthcare. This involves helping you to develop skills of independent research and argumentation necessary to recognize ethico-legal dilemmas posed to individuals and society as women’s healthcare evolves. Intrinsic is the development of your ability to analyse such dilemmas and apply legal and ethical reasoning to them using a range of different perspectives. 

After taking this module you should be able to: 


	Demonstrate an understanding of some key theoretical bases of the ethico-legal principles underpinning women’s healthcare; 
	
	
	Demonstrate a critical and detailed knowledge & understanding of the relevant case law, statutory materials and their relationship to the ethical debates; 
	
	
	Critically analyse the practical implications of moral and legal theories, especially those of autonomy and personhood, for the individual and society; 
	

	Critically reflect upon and evaluate the operation of contemporary law within its socio-cultural contexts; 
	
	
	Critically appraise the moral, ethical and legal issues and questions which arise in relation to women’s healthcare particularly in relation to issues of choice, consent and confidentiality;
	
	
	Demonstrate an ability to independently research, reflect upon and analyse complex ethico-legal issues and propose reasoned judgments on issues raised by emerging healthcare technologies. 
	
The module will combine pre-reading, ‘flipped’ lectures, tutorials, e-learning and a range of peer and tutor-led research case-based discussions. The module will be delivered on a strongly interactive basis with emphasis on case-based problem-solving. To gain the most from the face-to-face sessions, it is essential that you come prepared and ready to engage in debate. There is an online discussion forum and flexibility within the module so that we can respond to your expressed research interests. 

Introductory Reading: 
Herring J (2018) Medical law and ethics, Chapter 1 Ethics and Medical Law (OUP) 