Creation of the President's Council on Bioethics

2001-11-30Executive Order 13237
Signed by: George W. Bush
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Headline: Creates Presidential Council to Advise on Bioethics Issues

What it does: Agencies must provide information to the Council when requested, and the Department of Health and Human Services must provide administrative support and staff.

Real World Impact:
  • Requires agencies to share information with the Council when requested.
  • Creates a public forum to discuss embryo, stem cell, cloning, and genetics.
  • Limits the Council to a two-year term unless the President extends it.
Topics: bioethics, medical research, health policy, science and technology, government advisory

Summary

This order creates the President's Council on Bioethics to advise the President on ethical questions arising from advances in biomedical science and technology. The Council will study issues such as embryo and stem cell research, assisted reproduction, cloning, genetics, neuroscience, and end-of-life questions, and it may hold hearings and produce reports.

The Council will have up to 18 members appointed by the President for two-year terms, with the Department of Health and Human Services providing administrative support, staff, and funding as available. It aims to inform national discussion and policy guidance on bioethical matters.

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