Establishing the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues

2009-11-30Executive Order 13521
Signed by: Barack Obama
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Headline: Establishes a Presidential Commission to Study Bioethical Issues

What it does: Federal agencies must provide information and assistance, and the Department of Health and Human Services must fund and staff a commission to study bioethical issues and recommend actions.

Real World Impact:
  • Creates a federal advisory panel to study ethical issues from new biotechnologies.
  • Requires federal departments to provide information and assistance upon request.
  • May lead to recommendations for new rules on research, genetics, and medical technology.
Topics: bioethics, medical research, government advisory, science and technology policy

Summary

This order creates a Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues within the Department of Health and Human Services. The commission will advise the President on ethical questions from advances in medicine and related science and promote responsible research, healthcare, and innovation.

It will examine topics such as stem cell methods, genetic testing, neuro- and robotic sciences, and broader matters like protecting people in research and conflicts of interest. Health and Human Services will provide funding and staff, and other federal departments must provide information when requested. The commission may hold hearings and recommend legal or policy changes.

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