Bioethics and the Sudan

September 21, 2006

Though most issues in bioethics focus on the edges of the human life span – the very young and the very old – it is equally important to stress our respect for the dignity of all regardless of factors like gender, age, race, intelligence, religion, or location in this world.

This week at the United Nations, all eyes are on Darfur, a region in the Sudan where as many as 400,000 people have been killed and 2 million displaced by military forces and militia groups supported (or, at least, not stopped) by the Sudanese government. Many have called the killings an act of genocide against the non-Arabs living in western Sudan. Until recently, however, few have brought attention to this three-year-old crisis.

The killing and torturing happening in Darfur are crimes against humanity, mostly targeting innocent civilians. Bioethicists and anyone else concerned about defending human life should respond. I encourage you to call or write your national leaders and challenge them to take action.