Issues In Focus: National dialogue on human genes in other organisms
"Decisions about biotechnology cannot
be left solely to government, business or science. Every New Zealander
needs to be involved."
- Sir Paul Reeves, Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council.
Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council is not "for" or "against" the use
of human genes in other organisms - our job is to get people thinking
and talking about the issues, and to provide the opportunity for their
voices to be heard.
Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council recently asked to hear New Zealanders'
views on the cultural, ethical and spiritual issues arising from the
development and use of human genes in other organisms.
We have reflected on what we've heard and have
issued a report
that includes advice to government.
Resources about the issues
Biotechnology is developing very quickly and raises important cultural,
ethical and spiritual issues.
The following documents were prepared to help people
to think about and discuss these difficult but vitally important issues:
The following resources on the web provide background
information on genetics:
How people could get involved and share their views
The Council ran a number of dialogue workshops with
different communities of interest. For example, groups that bring together
people from different organisations, and groups with scientists, people
from different faith traditions, rural communities and different age groups.
The Council also held a public community conference
in Nelson, a number of hui around the country and a moderated online discussion
forum.
People could also send us submissions. Submissions
closed on 3 May 2004.
Future issues
This discussion is about transferring human genes into other organisms.
The Council will be promoting discussion about many other aspects of biotechnology
including xenotransplantation (transplanting organs or other material
from non humans into humans) and nanotechnology (the science of tiny "machines"
the size of molecules).
Organising your own group to discuss issues
The following resources on the web will help you
with running a dialogue in your own group:
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