ABSTRACT
Assisted human reproduction (AHR) services are carried out in Ireland in the absence of any legislative provisions, and with only very general guidance from the Irish Medical Council. The chapter describes the current position in relation to the provision of AHR services in the Republic of Ireland. It outlines some of the difficulties that may face legislators in this jurisdiction in attempting to regulate the area. The chapter sets out some of the main recommendations of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction. The Medical Council of Ireland is the statutory body empowered to regulate the medical profession in the Republic of Ireland. Its functions include giving guidance to the medical profession on matters relating to ethical conduct and behaviour. There are a number of Constitutional provisions that potentially affect the provision of AHR services in Ireland. These include Constitutional rights to privacy and bodily integrity, custody of a child, equality before the law, and other personal and family rights.
