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Ethical Guidelines for BiotechnologyMarch 1, 1999 Dear Potential Signatory: These ethical guidelines for biotechnology originated at the Center for Ethics and Toxics in Gualala, California with the realization that no guideposts existed for the development of the new science of biotechnology other than the rather non-specific tenets of science and medical ethics. I felt a code or set of ethical principles serving as a guideline was needed because biotechnology has such great potential to reshape life generally and individual species particularly. While humans have already reshaped the course of evolution during our short tenure on Earth, until now we have been powerless to intervene selectively into the genetic material of particular species. With biotechnological advances, it has proven possible to move and insert disparate genes from disparate species so that new genetic elements become permanent fixtures of the germ line of certain species. The genes chosen to be ensconced in the descendants of such newly created transgenic animals or plants have never been chosen through open public debate, universally accepted standards, or determination of their intrinsic “good”. While such lofty goals may seem inaccessible, the desirability of encouraging those in the biotechnology industry generally and researchers particularly to think about and be accountable for their actions is both timely, and I believe, sorely needed. My hope is that the proposed Ethical Guidelines for Biotechnology will be circulated, signed and endorsed by the major actors in biotechnology from both the academic and industrial sector. To this end, the guidelines for ethical principles and its accompanying documentation will be placed on our website and sent to the international academic community, CEOs of major life science companies, research organizations, and foundations for review and signatures. Your endorsement comments are broadly invited by email, letter, or fax. Sincerely,
Dear ___________, I am writing to invite your participation in developing a set of ethical principles to undergird biotechnology. These ethical guidelines for biotechnology originated with the realization that no guideposts existed for biotechnology other than the rather non-specific tenets of science and medical ethics. Why special guidelines, you might ask? First, as you know “biotechnology” has become a highly injected, emotionally charged field. Second, it poses some unique aspects of science. And third, the genes chosen to be ensconced in the descendants of newly created transgenic animals or plants have never been chosen through open public debate, universally accepted standards, or determination of their intrinsic “good”. I hope you will agree that discussion of such matters is appropriate without necessarily reaching conclusions about the “rightness” or “wrongness” of any particular corporate decision. The participation of the leaders of the biotechnology industry and researchers particularly in debating these issues is paramount to an open society. To this end, the guidelines for ethical principles and its accompanying documentation have been placed on our website and sent to the international academic community, other CEOs of major life science companies, research organizations, and foundations for review and signatures. Your endorsement and/or comments are broadly invited by email, letter, or
fax. Ethical Guidelines for Biotechnology Whereas, • Living organisms have generally evolved to be self-propagating, genetically independent species; and • Those who genetically intervene in the continuity of natural species bear the burden of proof their actions will not produce harm; and • Biotechnology has considerable power to shape and alter the diversity
and reproduction of • The human risks and benefits from biotechnology are likely to be unequally distributed in society; and, • Respect for life, ensuring an habitable planet and protecting ecosystems from damage are universally recognized moral goods. Therefore, We the undersigned affirm and endorse the following 1) Persons who carry out genetic modification of living organisms have a fundamental duty to respect the integrity of living organisms and life generally. 2) Respect for life entails avoiding harm to living organisms, respecting species integrity, and assuring the continuity of generations of living organisms whose genes may be altered by biotechnological interventions. 3) Safety and public health require any modification of living organisms be intensively studied over multiple generations before their marketing or release into the environment. 4) Respect for persons whose lives may be affected by biotechnology requires full and open disclosure of all relevant data concerning genetically altered organisms, food crops and derivatives thereof including but not limited to appropriate labeling of altered food crops or products. 5) Responsibility for future generations requires maintaining the genetic integrity of all peoples and not using or studying their genes or those of their indigenous species without their express permission, truly informed consent and suitable compensation. 6) Justice requires biotechnological innovations be thoroughly evaluated for their risks and contribute to the common welfare without disproportionately burdening or jeopardizing the well-being of particular human groups or planetary organisms. 7) Ethical responsibility entails open, public debate about the interpretation and application of key terms and concepts used in biotechnology including but not limited; “minimal risk” “protection of life” and “societal benefit”. 8) No country or ethnic group which has utilized a native species
for its own sustenance over a culturally relevant period should be
deprived of its rights to the genetic security of that species without free
and voluntary consent and appropriate compensation. To endorse or comment on the Ethical Guidelines for Biotechnology, please
either write to us at: CETOS, PO Box 673, Gualala, CA 95445 or email:
Code of Ethics@cetos.org |