About KILPAR

The Karnataka Institute for Law and Parliamentary Reform (KILPAR) was established in 2005 under the Department of Law, Justice, and Human Rights, Government of Karnataka. It operates as an autonomous body under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, with governance oversight from the Chief Minister (President) and the Law Minister (Vice President).

KILPAR has played a crucial role in law and parliamentary reforms, engaging in research, legislative drafting, legal awareness, and professional training. With over 85 research-based publications and 300+ legal seminars, it continues to drive progressive legal discourse across Karnataka.

About the School of Law, Christ University

The School of Law, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, is a premier law school in India, known for its academic excellence and legal research. The university holds an A+ accreditation from NAAC (2022) and is approved by the Bar Council of India (BCI). It offers world-class legal education to students from across India and abroad, integrating interdisciplinary learning and professional training in legal studies.

About the Conference

The National Conference on Reproductive Rights & Policy Transformation is a collaborative initiative by KILPAR and the Gender Studies Committee, School of Law, Christ University. This conference aims to:

• Bridge the gap between academic research and policy recommendations on reproductive rights.
• Critically examine legal frameworks, judicial interpretations, and policy implementation in reproductive healthcare.
• Address emerging challenges such as digital gender-based violence, gender-neutral laws, and international conventions in Indian jurisprudence.
• Integrate insights from sociology, psychology, and human rights advocacy to develop inclusive legal reforms.

Conference Details

Date: April 15, 2025
Venue: School of Law, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru
Mode: Offline

Call for Papers: Themes & Topics

The conference welcomes research papers on various aspects of reproductive rights, including:

1. Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) and Reproductive Rights

• Legal and ethical dimensions of abortion under the MTP Act, 1971 (Amended in 2021).
• Challenges in access to safe abortion services and autonomy in decision-making.
• Judicial perspectives on gestational limits, abortion rights for unmarried women, and healthcare access.

2. Surrogacy Laws and the Rights of Surrogate Mothers

• Analysis of the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, its impact on intended parents and surrogate mothers.
• Commercial vs. altruistic surrogacy and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ and single parents.
• Possible reforms for inclusivity and balance in surrogacy laws.

3. Legal Challenges in Artificial Reproduction

• Emerging technologies such as artificial wombs and fertility preservation.
• Legal rights in embryo storage and usage in cases of divorce or death of a partner.
• Ethical and regulatory concerns in assisted reproductive technologies.

4. LGBTQIA+ Parenthood and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

• Legal barriers for LGBTQ+ individuals in reproductive services.
• Evolving definitions of parenthood in Indian and international contexts.

5. Consent and Bodily Autonomy in Reproductive Healthcare

• Right to informed consent in abortion, sterilization, and assisted reproduction.
• Judiciary’s role in recognizing reproductive choices under Article 21 of the Constitution.

6. Reproductive Health and Workplace Rights

• Workplace discrimination based on pregnancy and reproductive choices.
• Analysis of the Maternity Benefit Act and paternity leave policies.
• Need for legal provisions promoting gender equality in caregiving responsibilities.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract Submission Deadline: March 28, 2025
• Abstract Word Limit: 300 words (excluding 5 keywords)
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: April 10, 2025
• Full Paper Length: 3000-6000 words
• Format: Times New Roman, font size 12, 1.5 line spacing
• Citation Style: Bluebook (21st Edition)
• Co-authorship: Maximum of one co-author per paper

Submissions must be sent to: genderstudiescommittee@law.christuniversity.in

Important Dates

Event	Date
Abstract Submission Deadline	March 28, 2025
Notification of Acceptance	March 30, 2025
Full Paper Submission	April 10, 2025
Conference Date	April 15, 2025

Recognition & Publication

• Selected papers will undergo peer review and be considered for publication in an Edited Book.
• E-certificates will be issued to all participants.

Contact Information

Email for Queries: genderstudiescommittee@law.christuniversity.in
Conference Coordinators:

• Aswathy Rakesh: +91 73068 85351
• Ahiree Banerjee: +91 91636 96850
• Diksha Sharma: +91 74840 58867

Conclusion

The National Conference on Reproductive Rights & Policy Transformation offers a unique platform for scholars, policymakers, and legal professionals to engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary issues surrounding reproductive rights, legal frameworks, and policy reforms. Submit your abstracts by March 28, 2025, to contribute to this crucial dialogue.