Ethical questions

(Euthanasia, abortion, genetic engineering)

and theological and ethical answers in the secularised Europe

In his opening words the vice-president of the Foundation Szatmári Elemér has explained that this conference is a fulfilment of a long-established project of our Foundation.

Mr. Dr. Leen van der Waal, former member of the EU parliament, as the leader of the SGP delegation expressed his recognition for the Foundation Studium Academicum, as they proceed and respond the most actual issues of their own society of nowadays Europe. He affirmed that EU does not have a common bill regarding the mentioned matters. In the Nederland’s is heavy debate upon those matters trying to adapt to the present legislation but also trying to change them.

Mr. Csernák Béla (member of board of the Foundation), has emphasised in his “devotion”: The Bible is not an alternative, but is an obligatory viewpoint in social, political as well as in ethical questions. The wise man is recognising that God is not just a challenge, consequence, but also a perspective. Therefore the man who trust the Lord will be not ashamed but will recognize in him the now perspectives and his fellowship.

The first presentation was held by Dr. Fazakas Sándor, Rector of the Theological University from Debrecen. In his presentation “Respect of the life” had pictorial disclosed, which fundament is given by the Bible for the World, and what is the essence of Christian theology in this regard, to adopt a healthy policy.

His presentation had four points:

1. Christian notion of human being - biblical-theological point of view
2. The human rights and the medicine
3. Human dignity and the science (embryo and genetic engineering)
4. Euthanasia - the original meaning: to prepare for a “good death” or to “nice dieing”

In his closing words hi have remarked: “If the medical science wont claim in almighty position in those respective then surely can count an partnership of the theology, because he will not serve itself, but the benefit of the humanity.

The biologist Dr. Ruth Seldenrijk presented an association (Nederlance Patienten Vereiniging) which was found in the Nederland in 1982 to protect the interest of the human life and patients. His lecture “The practice of law in Nederland concerning to the bioethical questions” have explained that the Holland Parliament has voted with minimal majority the actual valid laws, which rapidly set off the protective reaction of Christian society.

In the second part of his lecture he has spoken in four points about the question of abortion:

1. The developing status of foetus or the correct understanding of human embryology
2. Prenatal diagnose in case of abortion
3. Opportunity or powerlessness in case of premature birth
4. Stem cell and scientific research of embryos

Dr. Székely Ervin under-secretary of Ministry of Health in Rumanian, in his presentation “Ethical questions in the national healthy jurisdiction - legislation and jurisprudence” brought up valuable information’s regarding of the last fifteen years. He acknowledged, that in many cases the practice became chaotically due to the imperfectness of law.

The extension of such a conference will not allow present a general view he focussed upon three main items, which requires larger assessment of the society:

1. Extension of obligation in the insurance system
2. “Tipp” (money offer by the potions or the family members)
3. The peculiar case of the “mal praxis”

The second seminar day was attended by 45 participants. The representatives of civil sphere and churches were supplemented with a numerous delegation of Maltese Help Organization from Oradea; with the vice mayor of the local government of Oradea Biró Rozália; and with an executive officer of the County School Inspectorate Peto Csilla.

The presentation from Dr. Kees Goedhart “Provision at the edge of life - ethical and practical approach” pointed in the Nederland already established method. According to this many experts and volunteers are involved to replace the practice of unacceptable simplified erroneous solution of euthanasia.

The essence of the “paliativ care” is to undertake the care of the terminally ill potions (in many cases euthanasia pleading) indisposed people. Those potions are assisted by medical doctors, psychologists and pastors.

Dr. Goedhart emphasized the method of “give life to the days” instead of “giving days to the life” because this is the core of the Christian respect towards God, and his commitment for the life.

As a result of the efficient effort of the “paliativ care” the appliance of euthanasia in Holland seems to have a diminishing tendency.

Dr. Földes Béla was the second lecturer of the day (neurologist, member of Christian Doctor Association, hade of clinic in Oradea, and city RMDSZ counsellor). At the beginning of his presentation “Medico- ethical questions in Rumanian before joining EU” he expressed his respect as Christian and doctor to all those (mainly the mothers who bear) for hum the value of life is above anything else. As sign of his respect he handed over for the leady attendees a flower-basket.

In the second part of his presentation he called the attention of participants upon the XXI century tendency where the temptation of economical interest strongly influences the medical science, the medical laws and the industry of medicine.

He accentuated: the national medical society needs the ethical standpoint and these corroboration from the side of churches and Christian associations.

The participants have expressed their critical concern upon the necessity of the influence of Christian ethics in the European medical legislation.

The preservation and respect of life should be not lower scored as the environment protection, architecture or monument restorations etc.- was an remark.

Dr. Bárányi Ferenc the former Minister of Health stressed, that the practice of the euthanasia is known by all doctors, even though legally is not regulated, has already passively contributed to shorten the suffering of the dieing.

It is necessary to prove the question also from cause and causal point of view: why are people pleading for refusal of life? The abortion, the euthanasia and the genetic engineering is mostly a consequence of the spiritual situation of man. Towards those medical-technical methods the church has to develop a theological orientation point and must approach the very situation in most pastoral way - was another remark.

How can enforce the theology the Christian values in the EU? Does the Christian theology have an interference and influence in the enactments of the legislation? - asked another participant.

It was concretely proposed, that the Foundation Studium Academicum - with all his potential sources - should take responsibility in the ethical education of the pupils and students, both in organizing events in the schools as well as by special conferences.

As a closing occurrence of the conference the participants have adopted the attached statement.

Declaration

Dr. Leen van der Waal in his closing words has expressed his appreciation upon the promising initiative and collaboration between civil sphere, church and policy which manifested an ambition to develop a healthy society, where people are penetrated by Christian ethics and respect for life.

Szatmári Elemér has expressed his gratitude towards the guest speakers and attendance and mentioned that appeal and declaration is worthy to the heritage Reformation we are going to celebrate next week, being a testimony of our common concern through out Europe.