Editorial – Bioethics and Politics: The Axing of the Bioethics Council, Toi te Taiao
Toi te Taiao was set up in 2002 as a recommendation of the Royal Commission of Enquiry into Genetic Modification to engage with the public on the cultural, ethical and spiritual dimensions of new biotechnologies. The recent decision of the government to axe the Bioethics Council – Toi te Taiao is regrettable. Its disestablishment leaves important areas in bioethics uncovered. It also means that there is now no body of qualified persons who are independent of any lobby group to lead the debate and provide education on the important issues that lie ahead of us.
Vatican Updates Catholic Teaching on the Dignity of Human Life
This article, written by Mr John Kleinsman and Rev Dr Michael McCabe, provides an introduction to, and a short commentary on, the newly released Instruction on the Dignity of Life, Dignitas Personae. The writers argue that the opening paragraphs, in which we are reminded that the fragility and finality of life is part and parcel of the human condition, are particularly instructive for understanding the contemporary Catholic stance towards the role and place of biomedical science.
Issue Twenty Seven
30 April 2009
Key points and themes from the recent Instruction are presented in summary form.
This tightly written and stimulating article summarises an address given by the author, Rev Dr Gerald Gleeson, at a public address in Wellington on 12 March 2009 to mark the tenth anniversary of the establishment of The Nathaniel Centre. Dr. Gleeson, reflecting on the widespread objection that exists to the Catholic Church's teachings on sexuality, marriage and procreation, addresses the idea “that in the Church's natural law approach people become less important than their bodies and what is said to be 'natural'.”
The decision to approve the intentional creation from donated eggs and sperm effectively severs the genetic dimension of parenting from the gestational and social dimensions. This takes the use of assisted reproductive technology in New Zealand to a new place, one which fails to protect the dignity and well-being of children as is required by the HART Act.