Policy Press

Diverse Voices in Health Law and Ethics

Important Perspectives

Edited by Elizabeth Romanis, Sabrina Germain and Jonathan Herring

This book illuminates the often-overlooked perspectives of marginalized communities within health law. It reveals that the prevailing narrative in health law may not adequately safeguard the interests of minority groups and advocates for the integration of health inequality studies into healthcare law education.

Illuminating the often-overlooked perspectives of marginalised groups, this essential textbook offers a transformative exploration of health law and ethics.

Designed as a replacement for (or complement to) foundational health law texts, the book amplifies the voices of those frequently silenced in teaching materials: racialised communities, ethnic minorities, women, disabled individuals, LGBTQI+ people and those disadvantaged by socio-economic and structural factors.

Chapters cover key topics such as abortion, medical negligence, and public health, scrutinising how traditional legal narratives can neglect the nuanced impacts on these diverse groups. Contributors challenge readers to reflect on the production and perpetuation of health inequalities, enriching the curriculum with critical viewpoints.

Teaching tools include:

-accessible summaries throughout the chapters;

-critical reflection questions at the end of each chapter for students and teachers;

-further reading lists and links to external resources..

This is an invaluable text that encourages students and academics to engage deeply with the intersections of law, health(care) and social justice. It is an indispensable companion for any health law course, fostering a more inclusive and well-rounded approach to legal and medical education and practice.

“This book seeks to widen perspectives, giving voice to the ‘otherised’ and approaching health law and ethics from fresh angles. It is both timely and important.” José Miola, University of Leicester

“This thought-provoking edited book gives voice to perspectives that traditional medical law too often ignores. It will provide a wonderful teaching tool and a valuable starting point for research.” Emma Cave, Durham University

Elizabeth Chloe Romanis is Associate Professor in Biolaw and incoming Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Durham Law School.

Sabrina Germain is Reader in Healthcare Law and Policy and the Associate Dean for Equality Diversity and Inclusion at the City Law School.

Jonathan Herring is Professor of Law at the University of Oxford and DW Wolf-Clarendon Fellow at Exeter College, Oxford.

1. Introduction - Elizabeth Chloe Romanis, Sabrina Germain, and Jonathan Herring

Part 1: General Principles of Health Law and Ethics

2. Ethical Principles in Health – Marisha Wickremsinhe

3. Defining and Understanding ‘Health’ in Health Law – Anna Nelson

4. Health Inequalities, Law, and Society – John Coggon and Beth W. Kamunge-Kpodo

5. Health Disparities, Equity, and Pandemic Ethics – Harleen Kaur Johal and Sabrina Germain

6. Ethics, Health(care) and Climate Change – Joshua Parker

Part 2: The Body of Health Law

7. Medical Negligence – Zoe L. Tongue, Elizabeth Chloe Romanis, and Sabrina Germain

8. Medical Manslaughter – Amel Alghrani and Hannah Saad

9. Consent to Treatment – Caterina Milo and Thana De Campos-Rudinsky

10. Mental Capacity and Decision-Making – Beverley Clough

11. Mental Health: Inpatient Care – Magdalena Furgalska

12. Confidentiality – Elizabeth Chloe Romanis, Jordan A. Parsons, and Naomi Jones

Part 3: Applied Health Law and Ethics

13. Assisted Reproduction – Rita D’Alton Harrison, Philip Bremner, and Cynthia Mbugua

14. Abortion and Contraception – Zoe L. Tongue

15. Pregnancy and Birth – Elizabeth Chloe Romanis and Zaina Mahmoud

16. Capable Children’s Medical Treatment – Rebecca Limb

17. Organ Donation: Deceased Donation – Aileen Editha

18. Clinical Research Ethics – Zareen Beekhun and Silvia Camporesi

19. Death and Dying – Dunja Begović, Yakubu Salifu, and Sheila Payne