Property in Tissue (Again) and Negligent Conception

Journal of Bioethical Inquiry (2014) 11:437–440

U. of Adelaide Law Research Paper No. 125

Posted: 22 Oct 2018

See all articles by Bernadette Richards

Bernadette Richards

University of Adelaide - School of Law

Date Written: October 18, 2018

Abstract

It seems that a recurring theme in our Recent Developments is the issue of property rights in tissue (see, for example, Stewart 2009; Richards, Madden, and Cockburn 2011; Giancaspro2014). This has most commonly been associated with access to reproductive material and begins from the presumption of no property in tissue. A recent decision for the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario, whilst unsuccessful on largely procedural grounds, warrants a brief note because it adds to the general discourse on property in tissue and adopts a different approach. Piljak Estate v Abraham 2014 ONSC 2893 addressed the question of whether or not the family of a deceased person could access liver tissue for genetic testing. The property question arose because the family applied for access to the tissue under Rule 32.01 (Rules of Civil Procedure) and in order for the tissue to fall within the ambit of the Rule it must be defined as real or personal property.

Keywords: human tissue, property, negligence

JEL Classification: K00, K30, K32, K39

Suggested Citation

Richards, Bernadette, Property in Tissue (Again) and Negligent Conception (October 18, 2018). Journal of Bioethical Inquiry (2014) 11:437–440, U. of Adelaide Law Research Paper No. 125, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3269040

Bernadette Richards (Contact Author)

University of Adelaide - School of Law ( email )

Adelaide, South Australia 5005
Australia

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