Bioethics

By an order issued by Federal Chancellor Schüssel on 29 June 2001, a Bioethics Commission was established at the Federal Chancellery. The constituent meeting was held on 2 July 2001.

The task of the Bioethics Commission is to advise the Federal Chancellor from an ethical point of view on all social, natural scientific and legal issues arising from the scientific developments in human medicine and human biology. This includes in particular the submission of recommendations for practical use and suggestions for enacting the necessary legal provisions as well as the preparation of expert opinions on specific issues. The Commission exercises its advisory function independently.

The Commission consists of experts in the medical field (in particular reproductive medicine, gynaecology, psychiatrics, oncology, pathology), legal experts, sociologists and experts in philosophy, theology and microbiology.

The members of the Commission are appointed for a period of two years. They may be re-appointed. The Commission is convened by the Federal Chancellor or its chairman, if necessary, and otherwise meets at least every three months.

The Bioethics Commission has published a number of General Reports on the Activities of the Commission too.

The Bioethics Commission has its office at the Federal Chancellery.

Members

Recommendations, Opinions, and Reports

Contact:

Bioethics Commission
Secretariat
1010 Vienna, Ballhausplatz 2

Doris Wolfslehner
Phone: +43 1 531 15-202987
Fax: +43 1 531 09-202987
E-mail: doris.wolfslehner@bka.gv.at

Clemens Matzer
Phone: +43 1 531 15-202967
Fax: +43 1 531 09-202967
E-Mail: clemens.matzer@bka.gv.at

Gabriela Schwehla
Phone: +43 1 531 15-204116
Fax: +43 1 531 15-204307
E-mail: gabriela.schwehla@bka.gv.at

Secretariat:

Susanne Bartsch
Phone: +43 1 531 15-202932
Fax: +43 1 531 09-202932
E-Mail: susanne.bartsch@bka.gv.at