Biolaw and Health Law

Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and the Public Health Sector pose fundamental societal questions. How can a health care system be ensured which is patient-oriented and corresponds to the patient´s needs? Which conditions should be established to allow for a humane way of dying? To what extent should stem cell research, research on embryos or cloning be allowed? What societal consequences will result from genetic diagnostics? Where is the line between therapy and enhancement? Is there a “human nature” as an ethical or legal measure?

Biolaw complements the established field of Health Law. It focusses on the human existence, life and health of the human being, especially under the aspect of a "management of life" by target-oriented interventions in “natural” functions. With its new challenges biolaw is – besides information law and data protection – one of the main and enduring research foci of the chair.

Main areas of work

• Relationship between medicines and patients
• Rigths of Patients
• Humane Way of Dying
• Stem cell research
• “Patents on Life”
• Genetic Diagnostics
• Biobanks 
• Reproduction Technologies
• Artificial Life
• Therapy and Enhancement
• Human Rights and Human Nature