The challenges of biotechnology

Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes: Ethics of Biotechnology Roman J. Miller, Beryl H. Brubaker, James C. Peterson, eds. Cascadia Publishing House, 2005.

This book is based on a conference on the ethics of biotechnology from an Anabaptist perspective, held in Nov. 2003 at Eastern Mennonite University. It is organized into three sections (genetic modifications; perspectives; critique and synthesis) on topics such as stem cell research, cloning, genetically modified foods, eugenics, human genetic modification, and genetic screening. The 20 contributors include scientists, physicians, ethicists, historians, poets, social workers, nurses, pastors, and theologians.

Many participants attempted to look into Anabaptist history to find guiding principles at our core that can help us think through these issues. Community is a significant focus for many, and rightly so.

I was also struck with how supportive many contributors were of new technologies involving significant social impact. Of those who addressed the issue, a majority believe human life begins sometime after conception. Others say we need to press forward in embryonic stem cell research or suggest we put aside some of our inhibitions regarding tampering with nature. I was challenged by this “pushing the envelope,” and found some of my presuppositions altered.

For example, Fulbright scholar Ruth Cowan tells of changing her mind about genetic screening after visiting Cyprus, where the Cypriot Orthodox Church (nearly all Cyprus citizens are Orthodox) has accepted mandatory genetic screening for thalassemia prior to couples getting married. Those who inherit thalassemia (about five percent of newborns) have growth development problems and live an agonizing life of about five years. The church found that by supporting genetic screening, they saved the country from a serious economic and social burden, but also significantly reduced the number of abortions.

The dialogue between contributors offers check and criticism, however, and strengthens the value of the book. Theologian Stanley Hauerwas critiques the rhetoric used by various contributors. The words people chose may be confusing, misleading, prejudiced, or unhelpful. For example, what does it mean when someone asks, “Should we play God?”

Although the collection is somewhat technical in places, it generally communicates the issues well, even for non-experts. It is challenging and diverse in opinion – good qualities for a discussion that is very current and still very lively.

Todd Friesen is an actuary in Regina, where he attends Parliament Community Church.