Genetic engineering: Creating an ethical framework

Biotechnology, genetic engineering, genetic technology, gene splicing, recombinant genetics, embryonic and adult stem cell research are some of the familiar themes and topics in contemporary daily media releases. This essay seeks to highlight some of the recent developments in biotechnology, their implications and relevance for society, for ethics, and for contemporary theology. While recognising the work in this field on a global level, this essay will look at some Australian contributions to this debate. Some key ethico-legal questions are posed in formulating an ethical framework for genetic engineering to which the insights of theology can make a positive contribution