Lawyers, scientists urge ethics in biological advances

Rapid advances in biotechnology must constantly take into account far-reaching ethical and moral decisions, scientists and ethics experts said Saturday at Boston College's 30th Annual Bioethics Conference.

Lawyers, philosophers, science professors and students discussed the health laws and ethics of using new biological technology in a forum hosted by BC's Mendel Society, a pre-health club that addresses bioethics issues.

Harvard Law School professor Einer Elhauge said in his keynote address society needs to better proactively address the possible problems associated with the fast-growing field of biological engineering that might be raised soon.

"The issue is that people tend not to focus on the consequences of certain forms of human re-engineering," he said.

"I think it is a positive expansion," he said. "We still need to consider ethics in our actions, because right now, all our research is futuristic. Biotechnology is not there yet."

Elhauge told a crowded auditorium advancements in biological engineering and the proliferation of its use to diagnose disabilities - including the ability to detect autism in an unborn child - is a positive use of the technologies, but he warned they may be in danger of overuse.

Some parents, he said, might choose to alter their child's sex, or even tailor a child's abilities and characteristics to fit their own preferences. He cited a study that reported many deaf parents, for instance, would prefer their children be deaf so they can more easily communicate with them.

Professors and students did not state their positions on whether or not scientists should be permitted to employ the techniques they have discovered, such as performing controversial stem cell research or tailoring babies to specified characteristics, but maintained the discussion should be held.

BC adjunct philosophy professor Kerri Cronin, who brought one of her classes to the conference, said it is important for her students to understand the ethical framework of biotechnology and the wisdom of using new tools scientists and doctors will soon have.

"The dominant religion in society is technology," she said, adding more consideration should be given to the implications of all the new ideas being discussed.

Students presented original research on topics ranging from euthanasia and human engineering to effective healthcare and stem cell research.

Many of the students' work exhibited focused on the possibility that if biological engineering becomes more prevalent, insurance companies may discriminate against people who are not born as a result of biological manipulation or improvement, said Mendel Society Chair Sarah Catalano.

"I think it is important to focus on human re-engineering and the government regulations on testing humans," she said. "We need to understand the role of insurance agencies and the ethics involved."

Boston College senior Erin Galagay, who presented work at the forum, said it was beneficial to hear the views expressed by philosophers and theologians, opinions not often heard in science forums.