Council of Europe publishes new guide on public debate on human rights and biomedicine

Thursday 01 October 2020

The Council of Europe (COE) has launched a new guide aimed at initiating and promoting dialogue on the challenges posed by biomedical developments, both for individuals and society.

“The Guide to Public Debate on Human Rights and Biomedicine” was developed by the Committee on Bioethics (DH-BIO) in line with Article 28 of the Oviedo Convention. It is also part of the Council of Europe’s action plan on Human Rights and Technologies in Biomedicine (2020-2025).

The guide is primarily aimed at government officials, public authorities, national ethics committees and other relevant institutions and organisations. It explores why public debate is important, as well as offering guidance about how to prepare for such housing. In addition, it refers to examples of public debate in a selected number of countries, providing good practice examples. You can read the guide here: https://www.coe.int/en/web/bioethics/guide-on-public-debate