The State and the Body

Elizabeth Wicks is a Professor of Human Rights Law at the University of Leicester.

1. Bodily Autonomy
I. Introduction: Why the Body Matters
II. Autonomy: Rights and Relations
III. The Body
IV. Conclusion
2. The Public-Private Distinction
I. Introduction
II. Different Meanings of Public and Private: Contexts, History and Rights
III. Feminist Critique of the Public-Private Distinction
IV. A Descriptive/Normative Spectrum
V. Defining the ‘Private’
VI. Defining the ‘Public’
VII. Conclusion
3. Reproductive Choices
I. Introduction
II. Reproduction, the Public-Private Distinction and the Right to Respect for Private Life
III. State Regulation of Reproduction in England and Wales
IV. Justification for State Regulation of Reproduction
V. Conclusion
4. Choices about Dying
I. Introduction
II. State Regulation of Dying in England and Wales
III. Justifications for the Regulation of Dying
IV. Conclusion
5. Sexual Autonomy
I. Introduction
II. Regulation of Sexual Autonomy
III. Public Morality and (Private) Sexual Autonomy
IV. Conclusion
6. Bodily Modification
I. Introduction
II. Cosmetic Surgery
III. Female Genital Mutilation
IV. Body Integrity Identity Disorder and the Amputation of Healthy Limbs
V. Gender Reassignment Surgery
VI. Paternalistic Restrictions on Body Modification
VII. Conclusion
7. Selling the Body
I. Introduction
II. Prostitution
III. Surrogacy
IV. Sale of Eggs or Organs
V. Preserving the Choice Paradigm
VI. Conclusion
8. Conclusion: Legitimate Justifications for Legal Regulation of Bodily Autonomy
I. Defining Bodily Autonomy
II. Embracing the Harm Principle
III. Rejecting Paternalism and Moralism
IV. Preserving the Dignity of the Human Species
V. Defending the Choice Paradigm
VI. Practical Recommendations to Enhance and Support Bodily Autonomy