Bioethics Council finds cautious support for the use of "human genes" in other organisms

26 August 2004

Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council today launched its first major report to Government and the New Zealand public. The Council found broad agreement amongst the public that it is ethically appropriate to transfer human genes to other organisms where lives could be saved or human suffering reduced or prevented.

"Transferring human genes into other organisms may have seemed like science fiction a few years ago, but is now a reality that needs to be assessed from a cultural, ethical and spiritual viewpoint.

"In strictly scientific terms, there is little distinction between the genes of humans and those of other organisms. However, human genes are not just chemical compounds. They are seen as part of what defines us as being human and have special significance," says Jill White, chair of the Council.

To identify the issues involved in this new form of biotechnology, the Council invited ordinary New Zealanders to take part in focus groups to provide their perspectives. It also commissioned fifteen essays from a wide range of experts in the field, and its Maori working group held a number of hui with interested people. Questions generated from these three sources formed the basis of a two month programme of face-to-face dialogue meetings, 12 hui (involving 220 people), a written submission process and an on-line discussion forum.

"Our intention has not been to provide the last word on this complex and dynamic subject. However, as a Council we are opposed to certain types of modification that would give non-human organisms the capacity for human language and associated powers of reason, and those that would cause non-human organisms to look like humans," says Ms White.

The Council acknowledges the respect and deep concern for the environment expressed by many participants and also their concern for animal welfare. The Council believes there is a need for an ethical review of research when transferring human genes to other animals in the first half of gestation, where this may cause later suffering for the animal.

"One area we also believe requires further consideration is that of commercial involvement in biotechnology practices. Whilst acknowledging that science needs funding from commercial interests, there is public concern that commercial exploitation could limit access to the benefits of these technologies. A desire for justice in the distribution of benefits was expressed by many," says Ms White.

"These are not issues where there is necessarily a right or wrong answer. Huge value came from engaging in a dialogue where participants felt safe to explore the issues without fear of harsh judgement or verbal attack. Dialogue participants, as well as the Council, worked hard to listen and understand not only what other people were saying, but the values and cultural meanings that they regarded as important.

"The Council is very impressed with the way people participated in the discussion on human genes in other organisms. The conversations were constructive and demonstrated New Zealanders' ability to engage in complex issues with an open mind and a willingness to listen. New Zealand requires this quality of discussion now that it is faced with far reaching issues in the biotechnology arena," says Ms White.

For further information contact:

John Pennington
Executive Officer, Toi te Taiao: The Bioethics Council
DDI (04) 916-7673
Mobile 027 284-6004
john.pennington@mfe.govt.nz