The Future of Human Reproduction: The Input of Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany in the International Framework for Eugenic Governance

2021 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 21KK0221
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Croydon Silvia 大阪大学, 人間科学研究科, 准教授 (00634643)
• Project Period (FY): 2021 – 2023
• Keywords: Bioethics / human reproduction / governance / eugenics / United Nations

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

I traveled to Oxford and since then have discussed with experts at both the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies and the Oxford Uehiro Center for Practical
Ethics. Whilst I am setting up my interviews, I am exploring secondary resources from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, NGOs such as the Wellcome Trust, and UNESCO's Bioethics Committee. I am also working on expanding my network of contacts in this field, by asking for introductions to concerned individuals.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

Given that the grant only started two months ago, I am progressing as expected.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

As noted in the proposal, this study will principally be qualitative in nature. Beyond accessing publicly available material online and in print, I plan to gather information via interviews with those holding important scientific, ethical and/or political roles in the PGT debate domestically/internationally. Indeed, whilst formal position documents and public statements can offer much information, speaking to those involved behind the scenes gives a deeper insight into the difficulties faced in arriving in these, and whether there were any critical omissions, for instance. I also expect my interviews will lead me to many primary/secondary sources of information that might not have been obvious before. I will analyze my findings at a later stage of the project.