THE CONCEPT OF “REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE”: IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL STANDARDS IN UKRAINIAN LEGISLATION

Abstract

This article investigates the comprehensive emergence of the modern legal doctrine of ‘reproductive justice’, providing a detailed analysis of its profound impact on international and national legislation, as well as its foundational significance in shaping the progressive law of the future. The study meticulously examines the long-term evolution of reproductive rights within the complex framework of international law and relevant United Nations instruments, emphasizing a critical paradigm shift from a purely formal, liberal recognition of individual autonomy to a multi-layered approach that intrinsically integrates fundamental human rights with social justice principles. Within this research, the concept of reproductive justice is systematically presented through its three fundamental and interconnected dimensions: the inherent right to have children, the right to abstain from having children through accessible means, and the essential right to raise children in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. Particular academic attention is paid to the strategic intersection between reproductive justice and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically focusing on their implementation in the areas of poverty alleviation, universal healthcare, quality education, gender equality, and the global reduction of systemic inequalities. Furthermore, the article provides a comparative analysis of international legal standards regarding equitable access to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) based on universal and regional norms, the evolving jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, and the specialized recommendations of international organizations. Finally, the author evaluates the contemporary judicial practice that actively shapes the reproductive justice doctrine and identifies key developmental trends across diverse legal systems, substantiating the objective necessity of integrating universal reproductive justice standards into the national legal system and outlining strategic directions for further regulatory development based on extensive international experience and human rights protection.

Keywords: reproductive justice, assisted reproductive technologies, embryo status, human rights, Sustainable Development Goals