University of Winchester law experts have shone at a prominent medical ethics conference, delving into issues of paramount importance.

The event, the Institute of Medical Ethics conference, was recently held in London, organised in collaboration with Dr Emma Nottingham, head of the Law Department at the university.

Showcasing Winchester’s legal faculties, two lecturers also presented at the event.

Dr Emily Ottley, one of the keynote speakers, dissected the current legal terrains of abortion law.

She centred her presentation around three contentious topics: criminalisation of abortion, abortions related to Down's Syndrome foetuses, and protests occurring outside abortion clinics.

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On the other hand, Dr Khadijeh Masty analysed recent policy advancements under NHS England, focusing particularly on children.

Her paper, named ‘An evaluation of recent policy developments under NHS England with a particular consideration of children’s best interest’ delved into the introduction of Martha’s Rule by NHS England and the implementation of the National Paediatric Early Warning System (PEWS) in 2023.

A stimulating discussion ensued about these strategies' impact on amplifying parental power for asserting a child’s best interest, and the ethical bearings entwined in medical decision-making.

The conference, a melting pot of lawyers, philosophers, bioethicists, and healthcare practitioners, spurred conversation on contemporary matters in medical ethics and bioethics, with AI use, global health equity, and climate resilience among the topics discussed.

Dr Nottingham said: "It is wonderful to see Winchester academics sharing their expertise on cutting edge issues."