Petros Panayiotou

Petros Panayiotou is undertaking doctoral research (DPhil) in Medical Law and Ethics, with a focus on emerging reproductive technologies. His thesis examines two prospective procedures associated with the possible future development of partial ectogestation (i.e. the continuation of gestation ex-utero, using an artificial device): (i) the transfer of a foetus from the uterus to an ectogenetic device and (ii) the intentional ending of the life of the subject of ectogestation. Through his research, Petros explores how the law might respond to these procedures and the novel ethico-legal challenges they present. The project is funded by the Onassis Foundation and jointly supervised by Professors Jonathan Herring and Charles Foster.

Petros holds an MRes in Law (Distinction, University of Glasgow) and an LLB (First Class, University of Sheffield), preceded by National Service in Cyprus. His broader research interests concern the law and ethics of abortion and medically assisted dying. His article, ‘Beneficence cannot justify voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide’, Journal of Medical Ethics (2024), was among the journal’s most-accessed articles in November–December 2024. Petros has taught the first-year course ‘A Roman Introduction to Private Law’ at Exeter College, introducing Roman private law and setting it in comparative perspective with English, French, and German law.