The Nathaniel Centre
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The Bioethics Council Axing

11 March 2009

The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre is deeply disappointed at the axing of the Bioethics Council.

The Bioethics Council, which was set up as a recommendation of the Royal Commission of Enquiry into Genetic Modification, has provided a very important mechanism for informing and engaging with the public on the use of new biotechnologies and other bioethical issues. The Council has helped New Zealand society explore the cultural, spiritual and ethical implications of emerging biotechnologies and has done so between parties holding widely divergent views.

Bioethical issues will only increase in complexity and it is regrettable that the National Government has seen fit to close discussion down by axing The Bioethics Council.

The manner in which this decision has been made also reflects a lack of due public process.

For further information contact:

Rev Dr Michael McCabe
Director
The Nathaniel Centre – The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
phone: 64 4 499 2251