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Council of Europe, "Guaranteeing Freedom of Choice in Matters of Reproduction, Sexuality and Lifestyles in Europe: trends and developments," International Forum: Tallin, November 1997, (Strasbourg: Council of Europe) Participants of this international forum exchange views on the different European experiences and discuss the personal, ethical and social dimensions of reproductive rights. They identify a certain number of obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to free choice in matters of reproduction and sexuality, and make recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. Council of Europe, "Report on Equality between Women and Men: the Right to Free Choice of Maternity" 25 February 1993, ADOC6781 In this report, the Assembly is invited to recognise that choice of the interruption or continuation of a pregnancy must in the last analysis be the right of the woman, subject to national laws and in the light of medical diagnosis. It is argued that this right is implicit in Articles 8, 12, and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, interpreted in the light of contemporary social conditions and medical understanding. Member states of the Council of Europe are therefore under an obligation to make provisions for the exercise of this right in good conditions. Council of Europe, "Reproductive Choice," 1999 This report summarizes a study carried out by the Group of Specialists on the Right to Free Choice in Matters of Reproduction and Life Styles. The study focuses on the legal situation, services, and sex education programmes in member States and proposes standards for the development of national legislation and programmes for action by the Council of Europe's Steering Committee for equality between women and men. Cromack, Valerie, "The E.C. Pregnancy Directive - Principle or Pragmatism-" (1993) 4 J. of Soc. Welfare & Fam. L. 261-72 Current law affecting pregnant women is outlined with particular emphasis on the law relating to unfair dismissal, maternity leave and pay and the right to return to work. The effect of the new EC Pregnancy Directive on UK law is considered, and its proposed implementation under the Trade Union and Employment Rights Bill 1992. Conclusions are drawn on the "free market economy" approach presently espoused by the UK Government on employment protections and rights for pregnant employees. Center for Reproductive Law and Policy (CRLP), Women of the World Laws and Policies Affecting Their Reproductive Lives: East Central Europe (New York: CRLP, 2000) The report is an extensive examination of laws and policies affecting women's lives in Albania, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Russia. Based on eighteen months of research, the report is a unique collaboration between non-governmental organizations in each of these countries and CRLP. The report concludes that the privatization of the health care system under structural adjustment programs has led to decreased spending on health care and a deterioration in women's ability to control their fertility. Access to comprehensive reproductive health services and basic family planning, such as contraceptives, is extremely limited across the region. Ellis, Evelyn, EC Sex Equality Law (2nd ed.) (New York: Oxford University Pres, Oxford EC Law Library, 1998) This book offers a detailed and critical examination of European Community sex equality law, as interpreted by the European Court of Justice. It contains a thorough analysis of the basic principles of Community law in the context of sex equality claims and a comprehensive discussion of equal pay, equal treatment and equality in relation to social security. Eriksson, Maja K., Reproductive Freedom: in the Context of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, 1999) The author discusses reproductive freedom in the context of feminist legal theory, international human rights and humanitarian law. In surveying the international commitment to women's rights and examining critically the way in which international global and regional human rights bodies and ad hoc international tribunals deal with issues pertaining to reproductive freedom and sexual violence, this volume makes clear to what extent contemporary international law norms may be used as a tool for change, and how they need to be adapted to meet the special needs of girls and women worldwide. The book explores what improvements are necessary to prevent and protect adolescents, women and men against violation of their reproductive freedom. European Union: European Commission - Directorate General for the Employment, Industrial Relations & Social Affairs, Sexual Harassment at the workplace in the European Union (Luxembourg: Office for official Publications of the European Communities, 1999) This report is the European Commission's review of research conducted by eleven member countries into sexual harassment in employment in the European Community. Forder, Caroline J., "Abortion: A Constitutional Problem in European Perspective" (1994) 1 Maastricht J. Eur. & Comp. L., 56-100 This article investigates the constitutional limits of abortion in Europe. Part I looks at various options found in different European countries for recognizing abortion and considers the advantages and disadvantages. Part II considers the approach under German Basic Law, and its lessons for other European countries. Gostin, Lawrence O., & Lazzarini, Zita, Human Rights and Public Health in the AIDS Pandemic, (New York: Oxford University Press,1997) This book aims to show how human rights and public health are intertwined, with conflicts and trade-offs. It addresses "the broad audience of concerned individuals and organizations that seek to protect the health and human rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS." Its target audience includes governmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, community-based groups, policymakers, and PWAs. The five chapters cover: "International Human Rights Law in the AIDS Pandemic," "Harmonizing Human Rights and Public Health," "Human Rights Impact Assessment," "AIDS Policies and Practices: Integrating Public Health and Human Rights," and "Case Studies Raising Critical Questions in HIV Policy and Research: Balancing Public Health Benefits and Human Rights Burdens." Hendricks, Aart, "The Close Connection Between Classical Rights and the Right to Health, with Special Reference to the Right to Sexual Health and Reproductive Health" (1999) 18 (2&3) Med. & L., 225-242 Although several international and regional human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, give explicit recognition to a broad right to health, this right, at present, offers little real protection to interests in individual and community health, including reproductive and sexual health. This is so, the author argues, because the mechanisms now in place for supervision and enforcement of this and other "social human rights" are extremely weak. In these circumstances, better protection is available indirectly, through enforcement of certain "classical human rights," such as the right to life, the right to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment, and the right to found a family, that contribute to - and depend upon realisation of a right to health. Hervey, Tamara K., O'Keeffe, David (eds.), Sex Equality Law in the European Union, University College London, Centre for the law of the European Union (Chichester: Wiley, 1996) Sex Equality Law in the European Union provides an examination of the European Union's regulation of sex equality and the contribution of the law to the position of women and men in the Member States. The contributors provide invaluable analysis of the current state of the law and offer opinion on the best way forward. The breadth of topics dealt with are placed within the context of the following seven key areas: Equal pay, Equal treatment, Social security, Enforcement of sex equality in employment, Citizenship and human rights, Women and the internal market, and Perspectives on sex equality law. Hohn, Charlotte, "Population-relevant policies before and after unification of Germany" (1992) 75 Materialien zur Bevolkerungswissenschaft, 5-27 (In Eng.) The author reviews changes in population policy in Germany from 1949, when the two separate German states were formed, to the present. After a comparison of policy strategies in the two countries, she examines the policy needs of post-unification Germany, focusing on child care, immigration law, fertility, and demographic aging. Human Rights Watch, International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, Public Scandals: Sexual Orientation and Criminal Law in Romania, 1998 (Eng. & Rom.) In this joint report, a climate of legalized intolerance of homosexuality in Romania is documented. Gays and lesbians are denied privacy in Romanian law, and they are also denied basic rights of expression, association, and assembly. Officials and ordinary citizens regard gays and lesbians as persons without rights. Once arrested, those accused of homosexuality are routinely beaten and tortured by police. In detention, they are raped and abused by other inmates, with the collusion and encouragement of the authorities. This report calls on Romania and the international community to eliminate laws which condone or enforce unequal treatment based on sexual orientation, and to end the abuse of gays and lesbians by police and other officials. International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) IPPF Charter on Sexual and Reproductive rights: Vision 2000, (London, 1996) The IPPF Charter on Sexual and Reproductive Rights was first published in 1996. The twelve rights, as set out in the Charter, provide IPPF and its family planning associations (FPAs) with a demanding agenda for this century with a strong focus on the promotion and defence of the sexual and reproductive rights of individuals worldwide. Irvine, W., "A Time to Regulate- Possible Implications Of European Human Rights Law On Abortion In Northern Ireland" (2001) 5 Medical L. Int'l, 127-140 Since the introduction of the Abortion Act 1967 the legality and status of abortion in Northern Ireland, excluded from the provisions of the 1967 Act, has remained shrouded in uncertainty. In light of the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998, this article explores whether this inconsistency in the U.K. is in breach of the provisions laid down in Articles 8 and 14. It will be shown that while compelling arguments can be built under these provisions, perhaps the most persuasive arguments in favour of law reform are the inequities that the current legal regime has perpetuated. Klashtorny, Natalie, "Ireland's Abortion Law: An Abuse of International Law" (1996) 10 Temple Int'l & Comp. L. J., 419-43 This comment argues that Ireland's ban on abortion is a violation of women's international human rights. Part II looks at the historical background of Ireland's abortion law. Part III chronicles the course of events since the enactment of the Amendment to the Irish Constitution guaranteeing the right to life for the unborn and the lawsuits that followed. Part IV discusses reproductive rights as international human rights and argues that the European Court of Human Rights failed in its duty to protect the rights of women in Ireland. Laurant, Françoise, "Is abortion a right- France reforms the Veil Act" (2000) 28(2) Choices (available at: http://www.ippf.org/regions/europe/choices/index.htm) After years of activism and countless demonstrations, the Veil Act legalized abortion in France in 1975 -- thus ending decades of clandestine abortion and the related threats to French women's reproductive health. This law was a health response to a public health problem, and made abortion not only affordable but also ensured that clinical standards of abortion provision were met. None the less, this law is restrictive and it is argued that this legislation does not legitimise a woman's right to control procreation. The framework of the law is obsolete and the definition of abortion as a surgical intervention that must be performed in a hospital -- as stipulated by the law -- does not recognize developments in abortion technique. Liddy, Jane, "The Concept of Family Life under the ECHR," (1998) E.H.R.L.R., 15-25 This articles considers the changing identity of the family, and analyses the nature of the relationships considered by the European Commission and Court to constitute "family life" worthy of protection under Article 8 of the European Human Rights Convention. This analysis extends to the relevance of the concept of "family life" in various biological and social relationships; as between for example, non-married parents, non-heterosexual couples, transexuals, and between sperm donors and their children. The author concludes that the concept of "family life" at the end of the twentieth century is uncertain in the light of changing ethical and social standards. However, the author notes that even where the Commission concludes that the question of family life does not arise, there may be questions relating to the right to respect for private life. Loenen, Titia, (1994) "Rethinking Sex Equality as a Human Right" (1994) 12 Neth. Q. of H. R., 253-270 The way the principle of sex equality is interpreted by several international (quasi) judicial bodies is critically examined. It is argued that the current, mainly formal approach to equality and discrimination is in need of a fundamental reinterpretation towards a more substantive one, as formal equality often leads to the exclusion of those, like women, who do not fit dominant models or standards. Though the role of the courts in striving for substantive legal equality is necessarily limited, given the division of powers between the courts and the legislature in the democratic state, courts can contribute more than they do currently. In this respect, it is held that the concept of indirect discrimination, as developed in the case law of the ECJ, provides openings for a more substantive approach to equality and discrimination and should be adopted by human rights courts. McGlynn, Clare, "Pregnancy, parenthood and the Court of Justice in Abdoulaye" (2000) 25 E. L. Rev. Dec., 654-662 This article discusses the Abdoulaye case where the Court of Justice rejected a claim by men that the grant of a lump sum payment to women only "when taking maternity leave," made in addition to their full salary, constituted sex discrimination. It is argued that the judgment reflects a "maternalist" feminist approach which seeks to empower women within their traditional caregiving roles. Such an approach, however, may have the effect of replicating traditional assumptions about motherhood and parenthood, adversely affecting women's opportunities in the workplace and men's in the family in the long term. Medicine and Law Vol. 18, No. 2 & 3 (1999): Legal and Ethical Aspects of Reproductive and Sexual Health in Central and Eastern Europe The papers in this volume were brought together to consider the present state of reproductive rights in countries of Central and Eastern Europe and to address the prospects of protecting and promoting such rights and the obstacles to advancement. It contains discussions related to comparisons and contrasts among countries in the region, and to wider international experiences. Participants formulated recommendations that address ethical and legal developments necessary for protection and enhancement of reproductive rights in the region. Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Domestic Violence in Albania (Minneapolis: Minnesota Advocates for Human rights, 1996) This publication includes interviews conducted by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, where both men and women reported incidents of severe physical abuse of women by their husbands and intimate partners. Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Domestic Violence in Bulgaria (Minneapolis: Minnesota Advocates for Human rights, 1996) A survey on domestic violence is conducted in Bulgaria by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Domestic Violence in Macedonia (Minneapolis: Minnesota Advocates for Human rights, 1998) A survey on domestic violence is conducted in Macedonia by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Lifting The Last Curtain: A Report On Domestic Violence In Romania (Minneapolis: Minnesota Advocates for Human rights, 1995) A survey on domestic violence is conducted in Romania by Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. Medical Issues and Health Care Reform in Russia, Studies in health and human services, v. 35 (Lewiston, N.Y. : Edwin Mellen Press, 1999) Based on a 1996 University of Iowa symposia series on "Women's Health Issues in Russia at the End of the 20th Century" and the editors' public opinion polling in Russia, this collection of eleven studies offers a multi-faceted approach. Focusing on the impact of socio-political transitions on health and health care, Part I assesses Russian attitudes and the politics of promoting women's issues. Current conditions and future needs of women as consumers of health care are addressed in Part II. Part III examines aspects of sexual politics and policy: e.g. attitudes toward family planning and press coverage of women's health issues. Finally, health care innovations, cross- cultural training, and educational initiatives are discussed.
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