THE LEGAL CHALLENGES OF LEGAL REGULATION OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION CASE OF LITHUANIA

The legal regulation of assisted reproduction poses significant challenges and problems both in Lithuania and internationally. This topic is becoming increasingly relevant, as the development of advanced reproductive technologies opens opportunities for single women and homosexual couples to have children. The purpose of the article. To analyze the aspects of the legal regulation of assisted reproduction, identifying the main problems and challenges. Research objectives. To achieve the goal of this paper, the following objectives are set: to define the concepts, conditions and methods of assisted reproduction and infertility; 2. To analyze the aspects of the legal protection of the patient, embryo, and gametes; 3. After evaluating the legal regulation of assisted reproduction to identify aspects of the legal regulation of assisted reproduction in Lithuania that need to be improved. Methodology of investigation. In order to fully and as thoroughly as possible disclose the research goal and implement the tasks set in the work, the following research methods are applied in the work: document analysis, systematic analysis, and comparative methods. The changing structure and concept of the family encourages discussions about legal, ethical and social norms, which need to be reviewed and updated. In some societies, assisted reproduction faces objections due to the traditional concept of the family, which complicates the creation of laws that would be acceptable to the public. Findings indicate that the approach to assisted fertilization in Lithuania, when drafting the Law on Assisted Fertilization, sought to harmonize national legislation with European Union directives and international conventions. This analysis provides a better understanding of how the regulation of assisted fertilization in Lithuania complies with general EU trends and what fundamental differences remain between different Member States. In addition, the study reveals what legal, ethical and medical aspects influence the availability of assisted fertilization, and the procedures used. Although similar legal frameworks exist in many EU countries, some countries apply stricter or more liberal regulations, depending on public attitudes, religious beliefs and political decisions. Further research could delve into how different regulatory strategies affect the availability of assisted fertilization, success rates and patients' rights in Lithuania and other EU countries.