Embryo research, cloning, assisted conception, neonatal care, pandemic vaccine development, saviour siblings, organ transplants, drug trials – modern developments have transformed the field of medicine almost beyond recognition in recent decades and the law struggles to keep up.

In this highly acclaimed and very accessible book Margaret Brazier, Emma Cave and Rob Heywood provide an incisive survey of the legal situation in areas as diverse as fertility treatment, patient consent, assisted dying, malpractice and medical privacy.

The seventh edition of this book has been fully revised and updated to cover the latest cases, Brexit-related regulatory reform and COVID-19 pandemic measures.

Essential reading for healthcare professionals, lecturers, medical and law students, this book is of relevance to all whose perusal of the daily news causes wonder, hope and consternation at the advances and limitations of medicine, patients and the law.

Margaret Brazier was Professor Emerita in Law at the University of Manchester
Emma Cave is Professor of Healthcare Law at Durham University
Rob Heywood is Professor of Medical Law at the University of East Anglia