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ERMA Review Welcomed

The report that ERMA will be reviewed comes as good news for the Interchurch Bioethics Council, says spokesperson Dr Audrey Javis. The Council was set up in July 2000 by the Presbyterian, Methodist and Anglican churches as the Interchurch Commission on Genetic Engineering. The brief of the Commission was to inform church members of the ethical, spiritual and theological issues in GE, and to make submissions to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification (GM)

The Council's submission recommended that the terms of reference for ERMA should be reviewed and we have recently written to the Chairperson of ERMA asking a number of questions, Dr Jarvis says.

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with the requirement that research be for a 'proper purpose', ERMA considered the likely benefit of the research to New Zealanders in health or other areas, in addition to assessing the economic and scientific validity of the proposals.

did risk assessment include ethical, cultural and spiritual risks, allowing for the concerns of individuals and communities?

did 'benefits' give priority to New Zealand benefits when considering applications which related to projects sponsored by overseas funding bodies?

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Human reproductive cloning and stem cell research are some of other major issues currently under discussion by the Interchurch Bioethics Council. A discussion paper for church groups is being written. There is currently a Bill on Assisted Reproductive Technology before Parliament, and this is expected to become available for public comment after it goes to a select committee.

The Interchurch Bioethics Council is at present advertising for another member, with particular emphasis on ethical, theological and spiritual expertise. Interested persons may obtain information from : Dr Audrey Jarvis, Chairperson, Interchurch Bioethics Council, 143 Old West Road, RD 4, Palmerston North. Phone/Fax (06) 357 3089

e-mail: jarvis.ab@xtra.co.nz or Rev David Simmers, 140 Cecil Road, Wadestown

Wellington, Phone (04) 499 4293, e-mail: dsimmers@paradise.net nz