Notre Dame official says bioethics debate must be framed in justice

Published: 2003-10-02

PLYMOUTH, Ind. (CNS) -- Americans must make crucial decisions on thorny bioethical issues such as stem-cell research, a University of Notre Dame official told an ecumenical audience Sept. 28 in Plymouth. Maura Ryan, an associate provost at Notre Dame who teaches bioethics in the theology department, framed the debate in terms of mercy and justice. She spoke at First Presbyterian Church as part of a lecture series that also was to include an Oct. 5 talk by Notre Dame law professor Gerald Bradley on same-sex marriage legislation. "It is not an exaggeration to say we live in revolutionary times in health care," Ryan said. "We live in very, very exciting times, and we live in very, very troubling times. Should we do what we are able to do? Are there limits to what we should do even in the pursuit of good? We are, all of us, going to have to vote on these measures eventually, and it will be sooner rather than later," she said.

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