Program in Bioethics Launched at UCU
“The progress in biotechnological sciences today is so shocking and fast that one fails to catch up with new discoveries as far as one’s moral mentality and worldview are concerned. However, we should not be afraid of the development of science. Science itself, if it reveals true things, is a gift of God. And scientific achievements or discoveries are often morally neutral. It is important that scientific and technical achievements not question the value of the very human life which they are supposed to support,” stressed the rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Fr. Borys Gudziak.
According to the program manager, Fr. Ihor Boiko, the project is financed by the Medical Department of the Mac Hill University (Canada). The participants of the program will study problems of bioethical character. In particular, overcoming infertility in marriage, ethical evaluation of auxiliary reproductive technologies, surrogate motherhood, donation of egg cells, cryopreservation of human embryos, the use of embryo stem cells, prenatal diagnostics, and euthanasia.
“The Holy Scripture gives us understanding of the value of our life as it says that Jesus died on the cross for us. And Apostle Paul confirms that we are 'bought at a great price.' This indicates that a person is very important and valuable in God’s eyes. This bioethical program will help to understand human life deeper. We take it for granted and begin to appreciate it when we fall ill, experience difficulties and troubles. The task of the students here will not only be to understand life but also to teach others to understand it,” stressed Bishop Benedict of Lviv of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Three times a week, for one year, doctors, bioethics specialists, priests, and lawyers will learn how to answer questions about sudden death, inform a person of an incurable disease, help the fatally ill and support their families. They will be taught by western European and Ukrainian specialists. Successful graduates will continue the study in the universities of Italy, Austria, and other European countries, reported the Information Department of UCU.
