Bioethics in a low key: a report from Germany

I now, by way of reporting rather than analysing (see my title) would like to do two things; first to give a sketch of bioethical priorities as implied in public political debate and legislation, and second to mention some of the bioethical research activities on the academic level. Important under the first heading seem to me three contexts of activity: the passing of a genetic engineering law (Gentechnikgesetz)in 1990, the passing of a law for the protection of embryos (Embryonenschutzgesetz) in 1990 too, [and] the reforming of the presently divided status of the penal code on abortion this year, 1992 (Schwangerschaftsabbruch).