Regulating posthumous reproduction in the Netherlands and the UK

Abstract

Posthumous reproduction (PR) is changing the way in which we create and conceptualize families, disrupting the traditional chronology and context in which families are developed via a combined use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and cryopreservation technology. There has been a steadily growing worldwide interest in posthumous reproduction. Partly in response to this, in August 2018 the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Obstetrie & Gynaecologie (NVOG) and the Vereniging voor Klinische Embryologie (KLEM) jointly published professional guidelines, Modelreglement Embryowet, on current issues facing the medical profession. The Modelreglement includes extensive guidance on the clinical regulation of post humous reproduction (PR), that attracted media attention upon publication and offers an opportunity to reflect on how to regulate this sensitive area of reproduction.