In 2001, The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila in a pastoral statement on the genetic engineering of agricultural products said “In the beginning God gave mankind the gift of intelligence to be used, among other things, to collaborate with him in caring for creation. Today this collaboration with the creator is also evident in the advances of science and technology.

The Church has always valued such progress, but has likewise made the necessary precautions so as not to lose sight of the true context in which it is situated.”

As always the quest for knowledge and dominion brings with it certain ethical questions.  Technology asks can it be done.  While ethics on the other hand, asks us if it can be done, should it be done?  The answer to the latter question can only be in the affirmative if what is being contemplated is really for the good of the human person.

“In recent years pressing questions have been raised with regard to the use of new forms of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, animal farming, medicine and environmental protection. The new possibilities offered by current biological and biogenetic techniques are a source of hope and enthusiasm on the one hand, and of alarm and hostility on the other.

The application of various types of biotechnology, their acceptability from a moral point of view, their consequences for human health and their impact on the environment and the economy are the subject of thorough study and heated debate.

These are controversial questions that involve scientists and researchers, politicians and legislators, economists and environmentalists, as well as producers and consumers. Christians are not indifferent to these problems, for they are aware of the importance of the values at stake.”

“The Christian vision of creation makes a positive judgment on the acceptability of human intervention in nature, which also includes other living beings, and at the same time makes a strong appeal for responsibility. 

In effect, nature is not a sacred or divine reality that man must leave alone. Rather, it is a gift offered by the Creator to the human community, entrusted to the intelligence and moral responsibility of men and women.

For this reason the human person does not commit an illicit act when, out of respect for the order, beauty and usefulness of individual living beings and their function in the ecosystem, he intervenes by modifying some of their characteristics or properties.

Human interventions that damage living beings or the natural environment deserve condemnation, while those that improve them are praiseworthy.

The acceptability of the use of biological and biogenetic techniques is only one part of the ethical problem: as with every human behaviour, it is also necessary to evaluate accurately the real benefits as well as the possible consequences in terms of risks.

In the realm of technological-scientific interventions that have forceful and widespread impact on living organisms, with the possibility of significant long-term repercussions, it is unacceptable to act lightly or irresponsibly.”

“Modern biotechnologies have powerful social, economic and political impact locally, nationally and internationally. They need to be evaluated according to the ethical criteria that must always guide human activities and relations in the social, economic and political spheres. Above all the criteria of justice and solidarity must be taken into account.

Individuals and groups who engage in research and the commercialization of the field of biotechnology must especially abide by these criteria.

In any event, one must avoid falling into the error of believing that only the spreading of the benefits connected with the new techniques of biotechnology can solve the urgent problems of poverty and underdevelopment that still afflict so many countries on the planet.”

Biotechnology is acceptable only if all risks are minimized. Otherwise, one may easily succumb to temptations of productivity and profit at the expense of the people and the environment.

And as long as foreseeable dangers are not fully identified, studied and avoided, safe alternative procedures should be used, or if none, testing and development of the technology should be delayed altogether. 

Next week we look at the use of biotechnology and the responsibility it brings for the international community. 

Quotations in these articles are from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, Persons interested in purchasing a copy of the Compendium can contact the Justice Desk, Archbishop’s House at 622-6680.

Also on sale at the Justice Desk are the Take a Bite Social Justice Programme on DVD and the Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching.