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| Mr. Nicholas Kotsiras |
Committee on Bioethics
Proposals
by Mr. Kotsiras
There are a number of topics - some are controversial
- that the IAO needs
to have a clear view on (currently there are motions for
Euthanasia only).
These include:
Stem Cell Research, Genetically Modified Foods, Infertility
Treatment
Programs, Overlap and conflicts between Science and religion,
Female
genital mutilation, Inter-faith marriages, what constitutes
a family.
I recommend a 2 day meeting on Stem Cell Research for
2004, unless another
topic is put forward.
Stem Cell Research
Theme: "Stem Cell Research ? An Orthodox viewpoint".
Preamble:
Stem cell research has and will have a profound impact
on our lives.
It raises intensive public debate and legislators are
confronted with the
dilemma of supporting or not supporting stem cell research
with very little
information from our Church. We are faced with a major
policy choice:
either we accept and allow research in a responsible manner
or reject it.
As Orthodox members of parliament it is vital that we
understand the
church's viewpoint on stem cell research as well as developing
motions on
the general principles.
Agenda:
· The potential of stem cell research
· The dangers of stem cell research
· Ethical issues relating to stem cell research
· Developing stem cell research in harmony with orthodox
values and
societal goals
· Motions on the General Principles
Speakers:
We could have speakers from the following:
· Speaker from a Stem Cell Research Institution
· Speaker from University of Athens
· Representative from the Church
· Representative from the European Union
Cost:
At the recent meeting in Kiev, Mr Kiril Miltchev, Bulgaria,
offered to host
the Committee in Bulgaria. If this offer is still valid
it will minimise
the cost to IAO. If not, the Committee can meet at the
same time as the
Secretariat. (I would appreciate if someone from the Secretariat
could
contact Mr Miltchev to ascertain if his offer is still
relevant).
Airfares(depending on where the meeting is held)
4 airfares for Guest Speakers
1 airfare from Australia (Chair)
2 airfares for Committee members
Accommodation
14 nights accommodation (7 people x 2 nights)
Meeting room(2 days)
Meals
for 7 people |
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