Appraisal of the Implication of Autonomy Theory in Women and Minority Rights Law

Abstract

Autonomy theory shifts the emphasis from women having what men have to women being able to stand on 
their own make their own decision and pursue their own notion of a life well lived women's rights advocates 
make similar assumption when they argue that women should have freedom to control their own lives and 
make their own reproductive choices. Therefore, the aim of this article was to deal with sex and consent, 
pregnancy and autonomy, economic autonomy and women's poverty, the challenges in the implementation 
of the autonomy theory and the solution to these challenges. The research methodology was doctrinal 
approach, using expository and analytical research design. The main sources of data collection were
various legal literatures, both from the physical library and the e-library. it was found that the concept of 
autonomy has been developed in decisions concerning sexual and reproductive rights, including those 
connected to assisted reproduction techniques, access to abortion services, informed consent, and sex 
education, as well as the element of non-consent in sexual violence laws. It is also found that the doctrine 
has been embraced in decisions concerning LGBTIQ+ communities, interconnected often with the exercise 
of gender identity and expression and the rights to live free from violence and discrimination. It was 
recommended that in order to cure the defect of Autonomy theory, government should be responsive to 
provide and cater for women to cure the defect of poverty. Thus, the government should provide a regulatory 
machine to cure the defect of lack of manpower and inefficiency in workplaces as a result of women's limit 
of productivity.