Regulating Biotech

November 15, 2006

This looks interesting.

The Human Biotechnology Governance Forum has released a 471 page proposal biotech regulation. Entitled, Beyond Bioethics: A Proposal for Modernizing the Regulation of Human Biotechnologies, the report is authored by Francis Fukuyama and Franco Furger.

Synopsis:

The report provides the most comprehensive examination to date of possible legislative and/or regulatory answers to the challenges raised by human biotechnologies in the United States. It argues that sweeping legislation is an inadequate and counterproductive societal response to modern bioethical dilemmas. In order to reap the benefits of medical progress, prevent possible abuses and resolve broad societal conflicts the United States should create a new regulatory agency. The analysis includes a discussion of the enabling legislation’s main elements and an in-depth examination of both the structure and function of a future regulatory agency. The authors argue that for this agency to be seen by the public as authoritative and legitimate a robust mechanism of public consultation is needed. A discussion of legislative developments at the international level and an examination of public attitudes towards controversial reproductive technologies completes the report.

A free copy of the report can be downloaded at http://www.biotechgov.org. Print copies can be obtained for 14 dollars while supplies last.