[Ethical problems in genetics and reproduction medicine].
Novel knowledge in the fields of molecular biology, genetics and reproductive medicine will revolutionize medicine in the near future. Among many new therapeutical aspects arise a number ethical questions that include preimplantation diagnostics, embryonic stem cell research and gene therapy. Believing in scientific progress is often criticized but today it is primarily ignorance as well as fundamentalism that block sensible discussions. In the future it shall be of importance to differentiate between "to be alive" and "to have a life", hence yielding a new definition of the term "life". Also important is to keep in mind the difference between individual moral claims and general ethics. Without doubt, the current developments in medicine will bring about interesting consequences but the inherent dangers are recognizable as well. However, only a positive attitude will result in beneficial developments. More flexibility on all sides will be needed in the concurrent discussion process.
Gruber
Ch J
ChJ
Klinischen Abteilung für Endokrinologie und Sterilitätsbehandlung, Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde, Wien. christian_gruber@chello.at
Huber
J C
JC
D026690:Ethics, Clinical; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics*; D012099:Reproductive Techniques / Q000941:ethics*