Medical Citizenship

© Juristische Fakultät Hannover

In Science studies the concept of "medical" or "biological citizenship" has described specific forms of belonging, exclusion, rights and access to resources, treatments and care that are attributed on a biomedical basis for some time. Inclusive and exclusive categories of difference inscribed in the physicality of individuals and groups include disabilities, genetic differentiations, and diseases as well as ethnic and racial identifications. The scientific debate analyses the enabling and restrictive effects of selection and enhancement of state governance and health policy measures, but also of biotechnological and transnational practices and discourses.