WelCom February/March 2025
Christian bioethicists are encouraging New Zealanders to educate themselves about gene technology and genetic editing as Parliament considers legislative changes that better align with recent scientific and technological advancements.
The InterChurch Bioethics Council (ICBC) and the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics [an agency of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference] have collaborated to produce an information resource that explains the science and some of the ethical questions this technology raises. Between them, those groups represent the Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Catholic churches.
The resource outlines the benefits that can be derived from advances in gene technology, including repairing people’s genetic codes where issues are identified. But it also asks important questions that the bioethicists fear might be overlooked.
‘Before we choose to use any technology, we have a responsibility to make sure we have thought about the consequences, good and bad,’ the resource proposes.
‘What, precisely, are the benefits and risks involved? More importantly, how do we carry out a meaningful risk assessment when many of the risks are not easily measured or understood?’
Some people will consider potential financial gains or advances in science as reasons to pursue new technologies, but the ICBC and Nathaniel Centre suggest ‘a genuine assessment of the use of gene technology needs to balance economic benefits and scientific progress with human wellbeing and the wellbeing of all life’.
‘Ultimately, what is required is a robust regulatory process that all New Zealanders can have confidence in and that is transparent.’
The resource poses questions like: What is a gene? What happens when you change genes in a living thing? How do we make good decisions about gene technology?
It contains sections on the benefits of gene editing, as well as its risks.
‘An informed community is a community that can make better decisions for the good of all New Zealanders,’ said Dr Joy McIntosh of the ICBC.
Nathaniel Centre director Dr John Kleinsman said when issues are as complex as gene editing and broader gene technology, informing the public can be a great challenge.
‘We are hopeful this resource will help unravel the mysteries somewhat and start some informed conversations about this important issue that is otherwise confined to universities, medical clinics and the halls of Parliament,’ he said.
‘It’s an issue many New Zealanders feel very strongly about.’
Access the ICBC and Nathaniel Centre resource at: https://bit.ly/ICBCNathaniel
The Health Select Committee closing date for receiving submissions on the Gene Technology Bill was 17 February 2025.
Source: The InterChurch Bioethics Council and the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics