Is There A Right to Reproduction?

Reproduction is one of the basic abilities of human beings. This is often realized in a natural way، though in certain cases new methods and technologies provide infertile couples with the opportunity to realize their wish to have children. In recent years، the term “right to reproduction” has emerged، and sometimes emphasis is placed on the obligation of governments to satisfy this right. However، it seems that the ambiguity of the aforementioned term may create serious problems in our understanding of the subject matter and، in consequence، affect the manner in which it is handled in the society. In this paper، in addition to discussing the concept of rights، it is argued that the right to reproduction may be embodied both by a claim right and a liberty right، even though the latter is only a justifiable and acceptable way of representing the right to reproduction. Therefore، this right entails the freedom to bear children and to pursue provision of the requirements، including utilizing ART. As in the case of other human rights، this should be in balance and proportion with public interests، in such a way that in particular circumstances، such as problematic population situations، it may be protected or prevented by the government.