Biotechnology, Bioethics and Law: Europe's 21st Century Challenge*
| Date | 01 January 2006 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2230.2006.00573.x |
| Published date | 01 January 2006 |
THE
MODERN LAW REVIEW
Volume 69 January 2006 No 1
Biotechnology, Bioethics and Law: Europe’s 21st Century
Challenge
n
Noe
ºlle Lenoir
nn
Advances in biotechnology make possible many things which even a fewyears ago would have
seemed unimaginable. However, the steady advance of biotechnological innovation raises di⁄-
cult questions for ethicists and regulators. In the thirty-fourth Chorley Lecture Noelle Lenoir
analyses the European response to these challe nges and cal ls upon European leaders to honour
their commitment to human dignity and to give leadership in the emergent ¢elds of embryo
research, cloning and genetic enhancement.
Bioethics ^ it is everything that Europe is about: sharing common values while
respecting European cultural diversity; promoting research and innovationwhile
ensuring respect for these values; providinghonest and understandable informa-
tion to thepublic about ongoing research notonly to generatecon¢dence in new
technologies but also to allow public participation in adequate research policy
choices in the safety, regulatory and ethical domains.
Unfortunately the very disappointing French referendum result on the Eur-
opean Constitution in May demonstrates the di⁄culty of such tasks, and for one
main reason. Even thoughthis ‘no’ vote was essentiallythe consequence of a vari-
ety of domestic concerns, it may well have a negative impact on Europe as a
whole. Indeed, byquestioning the legitimacy of EU institutions, the referendum
has divided Member States and their citizens. Bioethics, in our pluralistic society,
means respect for others and being able to compromise even on very sensitive
issues. And the French ‘no’ vote makes me fear that we will have to face an era
of uncertainty comprised of misunderstanding and distrust between Member
States.
n
The text of the 34th Chorley Lecture, delivered at the London School of Economics & Political
Science,1 June, 20 04.
nn
Of Counsel, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, Paris; French Minister of European A¡airs, 2002^04;
Chair, European Group on Ethics in Science and NewTechnologies for the European Commission,
1992^2001.
rThe Modern LawReview Limited 2006
Published by BlackwellPublishing, 9600 Garsington Road,Oxford OX4 2DQ,UK and 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, USA
(200 6) 69(1) MLR 1^6
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