Ethics at the Beginning of Life, 2003

The V Annual Swedish Symposium on Biomedicine, Ethics and Society was held on June 2-3 2003 in Sandhamn.

Report

Professor Lars Hamberger, gynaecology, presented technical possibilities in the new reproductive biology and discussed ethical and legal concerns. Sociology Professor Erica Haimes discussed the phenomena genetics, identity, and social placement in a framework of cosmopolitan conceptions. Professor Marjo-Riitta Järvelin, epidemiologist, discussed the meaning of prenatal and early life factors in the prediction of risk and protection in longitudinal studies. To conclude, the theologian Professor Karen Lebacqz discussed the ethics of assisted reproduction.

On the second day, scientists and scholars presented papers. Thirteen presentations were made in two parallel sessions. The first session included five papers concerning ethics in reproduction and the second session consisted of eight papers on ethics in paediatrics.

Programme and abstracts of presentations

Monday 2 June 2003
Plenary session

Tuesday 3 June 2003
Parallel sessions
SESSION I - Ethics in Reproduction
SESSION II - Ethics in Paediatrics

Programme

Plenary Session, Monday 2 June

12.00	Arrival, Lunch
13.15	Welcome and information - Alina Rodriguez
13.30	Lars Hamberger
	The New Reproductive Biology - Technical possibilities versus ethical and legal concerns Abstract
14.15	Erica Haimes
	Cosmopolitan Conceptions: genetics, identity and social placement Abstract
15.00	Coffee
15.15	Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
	Predicting Risk and Protection in a Longitudinal Study - the meaning of prenatal and early life factors Abstract
16.00	Karen Lebacqz
	Ethics of Assisted Reproduction: Toward a New Framework Abstract
16.55	Panel Discussion
	Moderator: Mats G. Hansson
19.00	Dinner

Parallel Sessions, Tuesday June 3

SESSION I - Ethics in Reproduction

Moderator	*Erica Haimes*
09.00	Zeiler, K. Linköping University
	Choices and their Limits in the Context of Reproductive Medicine. What Autonomy? Whose Autonomy? Abstract
09.30	Skoog Svanberg, A. Uppsala University Hospital
	Should Ocyote Donation Offspring Receive Information of their Origin and the Identity of their Donor: Public Opinions in Sweden. Abstract
10.00	Coffee
Moderator	*Lars Hamberger*
10.15	Westerlund, K. Uppsala University
	Could infertile couples say no to assisted conception? Abstract
10.45	van den Akker, O. Aston University, UK
	A Prospective Long Term Follow-up Interview Study of Genetic and Gestational Surrogate Mothers and Intended Mothers. Expectations and Experiences. Abstract
11.15	Draper, H. & Pattison, H. University of Birmingham, UK
	Becoming a Father - Refusing Fatherhood: How Paternal Responsibilities are Generated. Abstract
11.45	Lunch
	Session I ends

SESSION II - Ethics in Paediatrics

Moderator	*Ulrik Kihlbom*
08.30	Håkansson, S. Umeå University Hospital
	Management of Extreme Prematurity: Effects of Different Perinatal Practices on Infant Survival and Morbidity Abstract
09.00	Götlind, K. Uppsala University
	Dilemmas in Practice. Handling of Ambivalence in a Neonatal Intensive-Care Unit. Abstract
13.30	Rynning , E. Uppsala University
	Age Limits for Human Rights? The Right to Life and Healtcare in the Perinatal Phase. Abstract
10.00	Coffee
Moderator	*Karen Lebacqz*
10.15	Arrhenius, G. Uppsala University
	The Ethical Evaluation of Risk in Research Involving Children Abstract
10.45	Kihlbom, U. Uppsala University
	Proxy Consent, Parental Duties and Rights Abstract
11.15	Helgesson, G. Uppsala University
	Infants, Longitudinal Studies and Consent Abstract
11.45	Lunch
Moderator	*Marjo-Riita Järvelin*
13.00	Zheng, X. L. Childrens Hospital Chongqing, China
	Ethics at the Beginning of Life in China Abstract
13.30	Rodriguez, A. Uppsala University
	Parents' Decision Making Concerning Medical Care for their Children Abstract
14.00	Coffee
	Symposium ends

Organizers

The Vth annual Swedish symposium on Biomedicine, Ethics and Society was organized with financial support from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (ELSA program), the Foundation for Health Care and Allergy Research, Ethics in Health Care Programme and the Swedish Research Council.

More information:

Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics

Josepine Fernow, Co-ordinator, josepine.fernow@crb.uu.se
Associate Professor Anna T. Höglundl, anna.hoglund@crb.uu.se

Keynote speakers:

Lars Hamberger, professor and chief physician in obstetrics and gynaecology, Gothenburg University and Sahlgrenska Hospital, is well known for his pioneering work within assisted conception in Sweden and stem cell research.

Marjo-Riitta Järvelin, professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College, London, is head of several population-based longitudinal studies of prenatal factors in relation to childhood and adult diseases.

Karen Lebacqz, professor of Theological Ethics, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California, is the author of six books and numerous other publications related to bioethics, including issues concerning reproduction and children

Erica Haimes, professor of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Newcastle, is concerned with the sociology of childhood with special focus on issues of identity for those brought up by non-genetically related parent(s).

Biomedicine, Ethics and Society