Former deputy Prime Minister John Anderson has launched a new book on ethics and the beginnings of life and joined the author in calling for informed and civilised debate on the issues.
The book, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Ethics and the beginning of human life, was written by Dr Megan Best, a member of the Diocese of Sydney Social Issues Executive and a long-time contributor to debate on subjects such as euthanasia, abortion and medical ethics.
In launching the book in Sydney, Mr Anderson pointed to a superficial and often vindictive level of debate in western society.
“If there’s one thing I can say with absolute certainty after 19 years in public life, it’s that there is no such thing as a good public policy outcome that’s derived from a sub-standard, inadequate, or misinformed public debate. It doesn’t happen. And the West is deep in crisis, frankly, because it no longer knows what an honest debate is."
The sentiment was echoed by another to speak at the launch, Sydney University Professor Jonathan Morris, a respected obstetrician and specialist in maternal fetal medicine.
“The beginning of life issues are perennial and important, but the implications of the new genomic era are pressing and urgent” Professor Morris said. “And it’s something we must all reflect upon. We do need to start a debate. We need to discuss whether our significance is really determined by our genetic sequence.”
Dr Best, who has spent several years researching and writing the book, said many people would be surprised at “the eugenics agenda of the reproductive business, and the commodification of the unborn which is currently underway".
She offered the book as a way of informing the debate and bringing some issues into the public arena.
"I do not expect that everyone will agree with my take on issues like antenatal screening and abortion, but I would like to see an informed public debate on these issues to make sure that this is something we all, as a community, are comfortable with. It is not just a matter between a doctor and a patient. We are at a point where we are deciding what we require of a child before they are granted full membership to our society.” Dr Best said.
Photos: Ramon Williams, Worldwide Photos
