Engage
Through a series of interviews we’ve learned that women are eager
to discuss bioethical issues if the issues are put in a context that
directly affects their lives—if it doesn’t require additional time away
from their already loaded schedules, and if it allows them to go beyond
merely raising difficult questions to taking action on issues that are
meaningful.
Based on this feedback, we created a program called Women, Bioethics,
and Literature: Asking Questions, Examining Issues and Taking Action of
which this virtual book club is a part. The program enables us to
connect to women individually or through new and existing book clubs.
Educate
First, our team of scholars selects widely
accessible, beautifully
written books that illuminate the implications of biotechnology. We
then provide book club support materials that go beyond just asking
the typical literary questions and topics (such as “what was the author
trying to communicate?")
Instead, we foster discussion on bioethical issues by raising such questions as “How does technology shape our society?,” “What does it mean to be human?,” and “What kind of future do we want to create?” A set of twenty “bioethical” questions are developed for each book selected. The questions are designed to educate you about issues in technology we'll be facing. They were written to be educational as well as provocative.
Instead, we foster discussion on bioethical issues by raising such questions as “How does technology shape our society?,” “What does it mean to be human?,” and “What kind of future do we want to create?” A set of twenty “bioethical” questions are developed for each book selected. The questions are designed to educate you about issues in technology we'll be facing. They were written to be educational as well as provocative.
Empower
Then, most importantly, we tie these questions to public policies that
are currently being considered and provide specific information on how
to get involved in the shaping of such legislation. The first policy we
will focus on, Human Germline Genetic Modification (HGGM), is a perfect
target because the issues surrounding “designer babies” have profound
implications for women and their families and it is just now being
considered by policy makers.
To kick off the program we have selected three books that cover bioethics from three different perspectives, written by well-loved authors from three different countries. One of the authors, Jodi Picoult is helping us launch this effort. We will continue to add relevant books, so check back often!
To kick off the program we have selected three books that cover bioethics from three different perspectives, written by well-loved authors from three different countries. One of the authors, Jodi Picoult is helping us launch this effort. We will continue to add relevant books, so check back often!
