Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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BIOETHICS

The study of ethical questions arising from the development of the biological sciences. This study may be of two kinds, either resolving problems created by the rapid growth of the life sciences, or analyzing the prospects of new developments in ethical practice consistent with the Christian principles of morality. Examples of the first are genetic engineering and artificial insemination; examples of the second are organ transplantation and natural family planning. (Etym. Greek bios, life + _thos, custom, moral nature.)