Establishing the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
Nov 30, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Nov 24, 2009
Published on: Nov 30, 2009
Nov 30, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Nov 24, 2009
Published on: Nov 30, 2009
Summary
Establishes a group of experts to give advice to the President on ethical questions that come from new science and medical discoveries.
What problem does this solve?
New discoveries in science and medicine can create difficult ethical questions that need careful thought. This order creates a special group of experts to study these questions and give advice to the President on how to handle them responsibly.
What does this order do?
Establishes a new bioethics commission
Creates the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Defines the commission's mission
Requires the commission to advise the President on ethical issues from advances in science and medicine, and to recommend policies that ensure research is done responsibly.
Outlines commission membership
Specifies the commission will have up to 13 members appointed by the President from fields like bioethics, science, medicine, law, and theology.
Sets a two-year term for the commission
States that the commission will end two years after the date of the order unless the President chooses to extend it.
Replaces a previous executive order
This order supersedes and replaces Executive Order 13237, which dealt with a similar topic.
Specifies administrative support
Assigns the Department of Health and Human Services to provide funding and administrative support for the commission's work.
Who does this affect?
- Scientists and researchers
- Healthcare professionals
- Federal health agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures ethical oversight of scientific advances
Provides a formal way for the President to get expert advice on complex ethical issues. As science and technology advance quickly, this group helps the government keep up and make sure new developments are used in a responsible and fair way.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on November 24, 2009, and includes a specific timeline for the commission's operation.
Commission Termination Date
The commission is set to end two years after November 24, 2009, unless the President decides to extend it.