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Valuing People - Human Values in a World of Medicine and TechnologyVALUING PEOPLE: human values in a world of medicine and technology D. Gareth Jones, Professor and Head of the Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, challenges us to think through where we stand on a number of issues relating to the value of human life, and advances in biomedical technology. Is all life sacred? Do we really give all human life the same value? These important questions are considered by use of case scenarios and a careful presentation of what is happening, or will happen in the future, in biomedicine. We would all prefer to have cut-and-dried, simple yes/no answers to ethical conundrums, but coming face to face with specific cases, real-life situations, should drive us to consider whether we believe what we believe by conviction, or acceptance to the 'party line' (whatever that may be). We are urged to strive to apply biblical guidelines and theological perspectives as faithfully and consistently as we are able, and to be aware of the danger of introducing situationalism and relativism into ethical discussions. But what are the biblical guidelines on the embryo, embryo research, in vitro fertilisation, genetic screening, genetic manipulation (e.g. eliminating defective genes in a disease such as cystic fibrosis), cloning, persistent vegetative state, etc.? Is it actually possible to put forward a specific position as definitely being the Christian position? As the author indicates (p.45), to expect specific answers from the Bible to all these questions, is to misunderstand the purpose of the Bible. We do not find chapter and verse telling us whether IVF should be used to provide an infertile couple with a child, or at what point an individual with a severely damaged brain may be allowed to die. What the Bible repeatedly gives is insights into the value bestowed by God on human existence and the dignity of the individual. This is a thought-provoking, question-generating, uncomfortable book; ideal in many ways for group discussions. Did I agree with everything - no. Was I uneasy about some things - yes. This was particularly so in the section 'Are the foetus and adult morally equivalent?' (pp.69ff). I am sure that many readers of EN will be uneasy with the statement that 'the embryo up to approximately 12 to 14 days of gestation is only part of God's general intention as opposed to his specific intention' (p.97). But I guess this whole subject area is one where it would be difficult to find two Christians agreeing on every single point. I would recommend this book firstly to those working in the medical, biomedical and paramedical fields, but if you are not in these categories, do not be put off - it really is a timely book for an era of incredible medical advances. Professor David Back
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