Event: AN INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS AND GENETICS – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 AT 7 PM

AN INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS AND GENETICS

Moira McQueen, LLB, MDiv, PhD

SUMMARY: Have you ever wondered about what is happening in the field of genetics, and whether developments in that area might affect you at some point in your life? If so, you are invited to join a discussion about ethical dilemmas in the use of genetics, such as:

§ questions about genetic testing (e.g. insurance coverage, pregnancy, disclosure);

§ research on human and non-human subjects (hybrids, cloning; Do we want more problems with Dollies?);

§ the genetic engineering of human beings (three-party embryos);

§ genetic screening for disabilities (impact on employment, marriage, pregnancy); and

§ questions about the dignity of the human person, the common good and social justice.

DATE, TIME: February 24, 7 pm
Free | All are welcome.

LOCATION: The Coop in Brennan Hall, University of St Michael’s College, 81 St. Mary Street, Toronto

SPEAKER: Dr Moira McQueen graduated in law from the University of Glasgow, Scotland, and worked as a lawyer for several years, specializing in family law and juvenile court. After her Master of Divinity Degree from the Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael’s College and the Toronto School of Theology, she earned a PhD in moral theology, also from St. Michael’s. She has been teaching moral theology at the Faculty of Theology since 1994, and has written and co-authored several articles in bioethics, fundamental ethics and other areas. Her book Bioethics Matters was published by Novalis in 2008 and the revised edition in 2011. She is interested in the interdisciplinary aspects of theology, law and medicine as they apply in daily life.

Dr. McQueen was appointed Executive Director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute in July, 2004. The Institute has a mandate to conduct research and education in bioethics from a Roman Catholic perspective, and pursues bioethical issues in palliative and end of life care, reproductive technologies, stem cell experimentation and regenerative medicine, genetics, mental health and other current areas.

Dr. McQueen is deeply involved in community education through CCBI’s courses in bioethics for parishes, and through training and consultancy sessions with school boards, health care institutions, priests’ seminars, conferences, lectures and media appearances.

Pope Francis appointed Dr. McQueen to the International Theological Commission in September 2014 for a five-year term. She also received a papal appointment as an Auditor to the October 2015 Synod of Bishops on the Family.

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops appointed Dr McQueen as their representative to the Biotechnology Reference Group of the Canadian Council of Churches.

HOSTS: CANADIAN CATHOLIC BIOETHICS INSTITUTE AND
THE UNIVERSITY OF ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE, CAMPUS MINISTRY