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Religious aspects of human genetic information

Religious aspects of human genetic information
Ciba Foundation symposium
Format: Journal Article
Publication Year: 1990
Publisher: Wiley
Place of Publication: Chichester
Pages: 148-55
Sources ID: 126502
Visibility: Public (group default)
Abstract: (Show)

To obtain human genetic information with the intention of treating and curing severe genetic disease would be considered to be a positive personal decision of a moral agent in various religious contexts. According to some religious teachings human suffering should not be regarded merely as a negative element of life; however, the scientific achievement of obtaining genetic information should surely increase the possibility of hope for the eventual cure of genetically determined diseases. The elimination of human suffering and tragedy in severe genetically determined illness, on the criterion of the benefit of the patient, is permitted by various contemporary religious teachings, according to an analysis of publications by the World Council of Churches and the Vatican and sources from Jewish, Islamic and Buddhist teachings.

Subjects: 
Buddhist Ethics