Bioethics Council Announces Work Programme

30 April 2003

Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council announced the release of its work programme today. The demanding programme addresses some of the most contentious ethical issues raised by biotechnology.

Immediate priorities identified by the Council include the use of human genes in other organisms, some aspects of assisted human reproduction and the post-gm moratorium period.

The Council began work on the issue of human genes in other organisms in March and is progressively establishing working groups, so that at any one time several issues can be under consideration. Other issues to be addressed include genetic testing and genetic knowledge, xenotransplantation and stem cell research.

"These issues and others like them can only be adequately addressed if the people of New Zealand are given opportunities to learn about the process, and to discuss them and to have input into any advice the Council may want to give the Government" said Sir Paul Reeves, the Chair of the Bioethics Council.

"Other countries are also wrestling with many of the same biotechnological issues. The Bioethics Council will draw on international experience but will obviously be guided by the values and traditions that make New Zealand distinctive. The Council has a challenging task given the wide variety of views on these issues in New Zealand," said Sir Paul.

Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council was established in December 2002, following the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification. The Council is an independent body charged with providing information on ethical, cultural and spiritual dimensions of biotechnology; promoting public dialogue on these matters; and providing independent advice to Government.

For more information contact:

Helen Bichan
109 Bell Street
Tawa
(04) 232-6185