Bioethics was originally proposed in the early 1970s to denote ‘the incorporation of
biological knowledge and human values’. It is becoming more relevant in the
biological age. This paper looks at some of the biological issues that require an
ethical input. These include the Human Genome Project, human cloning and
assisted reproductive technologies, contraception and abortion, organ donation and
transplantation, euthanasia, brain death, human embryonic cells and AIDS.
Examples of issues that have been raised in this area: Who owns our genes? Can we
‘design’ our babies? Should humans be cloned? Can pregnancy be terminated? Is
mercy killing all right? Is brain death equivalent to death? Can embryonic cells be
used in experiments? While some have been settled, others still persist till today.
The numerous ethical questions pertaining to biology beg serious efforts on the part
of ethical theorists to dig deep into their established principles. Similarly those
working within applied ethics cannot operate effectively without referring to
theoretical ethics. Hence thus far, many of the bioethical issues have been tackled. It
is proposed that as a member of the health team, pharmacists too need to be well
versed in issues pertaining to bioethics.