Religious representatives are challenging professor Hwang Woo Suk's embryonic stem cell research and the debate about life ethics is taking a new turn. Korea's Catholic bishops' conference expressed its opposition to the research, and last weekend Seoul archbishop Cheong Jin Suk preached that it is unethical. Recently the Buddhist Life Ethics Research Institute expressed its worries also, and the Protestants are said to be in careful discussion, and have held a debate session to express their views. We think that the questions being asked by the religious community are appropriate and healthy.
Hwang, for his part, said a week ago at the Kwanhun Club that he could consider having people from civil groups or religious figures participate in the research process, and he has taken a proactive approach saying he will meet with archbishop Cheong to seek his understanding, because he very well understands the ethical sensitivity of what he does. One hopes that the meeting between Hwang and Cheong does not stop at being a one-time symbolic get-together and that it is the start of deep dialogue.
Korea is at the forefront of global stem cell research and so assumes a big degree of responsibility for the ethical debate. It must not be done hastily or avoided, so that the dialogue develops further. Problems noted include the fact that the "Law on Life Ethics and Safety" that took effect in January is waiting for a decision by the Constitutional Court, and that the National Life Ethics Deliberation Commission, which will decide issues such as the object and scope of research, is composed largely of government ministers instead of experts. Deeper discussion must be started so that there can be a social consensus.
The Hankyoreh, 14 June 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Korea Should be First in Life Ethics, Too |
