The world of science is highly dynamic. It advances the way in which the human race is progressing. Scientific advances in the field of life sciences pose difficult ethical questions. These include questions on cloning, embryo research, patenting of life and the human genome.
France has witnessed many new threats and abuses in this direction. These comprise genetic discrimination; question of legality in surrogate traffic in human organs, clinics specialized in euthanasia.
During the 1980s, questions on the social, cultural, moral and legal aspects of the above were raised in advanced countries. They were targeted towards various aspects of reproduction in particular. Ever since France passed its bioethics laws in 1988, it was modified later in 1994 and recently in 2004 as well.
[...] Euthanasia: This deals with regard to the right to terminate the life of a suffering person. Another aspect is the validity of research on extremely powerful virus, which will contaminate a huge section of the population and against which there is no treatment at present. Questions are also raised on the effects of these on the health of flora and fauna and also on ownership of embryos and their right of possession are also being raised. Need for bioethics The impending problems related to the advancement of progress in the field of sciences have opened discussions about the need to establish laws to prevent abuses of medical and biological techniques, frame discoveries, advances and obviously to protect mankind. [...]
[...] Each question is examined by a working group comprising members of the Committee. The Committee can call outside experts if needed. The case is reviewed by the Technical Section, which then decides its consideration in plenary session. A final report is written based on the opinions and recommendations. The National Ethics Advisory Committee disseminates its work by: - An annual public lecture is given on ethical issues in the field of life sciences and health - Press conferences are held when a notice is adopted by the Committee. [...]
[...] Apart from the father and the mother of the recipient, the recipient's spouse, brother or sister, son or daughters, grandparents, uncles or aunts, cousins and cousins and spouses of his father or mother and any person furnishing proof of a common life of at least two years with the recipient are permitted. A Biomedicine Agency is formed under the Ministry of Health. It is competent in the areas of transplantation, reproduction, embryology and human genetics. It is involved in the development and implementation of regulations and rules of good practice to monitor assess and monitor medical and biological activities within its jurisdiction, accredit practitioners and research protocols. [...]
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