Press Releases

In response to a commission by the Federal Government, the German Ethics Council has compiled an Opinion on the future of genetic diagnosis. On the basis of the right of people affected by a genetic test to know, their right not to know and their right of informational self-determination, the Council recommends in particular measures for the improvement of information, explanation and counselling. Other proposed requirements include special provisions on the conduct of prenatal genetic diagnosis, protection of those lacking the capacity to give consent, the quality of genetic tests and their funding within the healthcare system. The Council not only offers recommendations for political and legislative action, but also aspires to stimulate public debate on future developments in genetic diagnosis.

At a public hearing on 25 April 2013 the Ethics Council questioned nine experts on possible ways of preventing the misuse of biological research by third parties without imposing excessive restrictions on the freedom of research. The results will be incorporated in an Opinion on biosecurity which the Ethics Council is currently drafting in response to a commission by the Federal Government.

What is the responsibility of the individual and society for shaping demographic change? How can solidarity and tolerance be encouraged? These questions were debated by the German Ethics Council with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel and over 350 guests at a meeting in the Council’s Bioethics Forum series.

The German Ethics Council issues recommendations for revision of the Federal Government’s Order on the Lawful Conduct of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PIDV).

“Patent protection and the human right to health – a contradiction?” This question was discussed by the members of the German Ethics Council and the invited speakers together with over 200 visitors at an evening meeting in the Bioethics Forum series held in Berlin yesterday (Wednesday).

Yesterday (Wednesday), the German Ethics Council held its second Parliamentary Evening of the year in Berlin, to report on the status of its deliberations on issues of current interest and to discuss them with Members of the German Bundestag [German Federal Parliament].