Biotechnology and human dignity: a European perspective

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• European Union Law
• Biotechnology Regulation

Background:

• The concept of human dignity is increasingly debated in ethics and law.
• Its adequacy as a policymaking guide in the biotechnological era is questioned.
• Human dignity's role in regulating science and technology in the EU is under examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the emergence and function of human dignity in EU science and technology regulation.
• To demonstrate that human dignity acts as a concrete regulatory restraint in European public policies on biotechnology.
• To analyze specific case studies illustrating the normative influence of human dignity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of EU Directives and Recommendations.
• Examination of the influence of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE).
• Case study analysis of intellectual property in biotechnological inventions and funding for human embryonic stem cell research.

Main Results:

• Human dignity is not an elusive concept but a practical regulatory restraint in EU biotechnology policy.
• The European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) significantly influences this regulatory function.
• Case studies demonstrate the tangible impact of human dignity on policy decisions.

Conclusions:

• The principle of human dignity is a normative guideline actively shaping European biotechnology policies.
• Contrary to some philosophical claims, human dignity provides a functional framework for regulation.
• This principle is essential for navigating ethical challenges in modern biotechnology within the EU.