Respect for cultural diversity as a global bioethical principle. Own reasons from a Protestant perspective

Riaan A.L Rheeder

doi:10.4102/hts.v73i3.4705

Abstract

In the development and acceptance of Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Bioethics and Human Rights, the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) did not involve the Protestant faith tradition in the consultation process (other traditions were indeed consulted). This brings the universality (UNESCO perspective) as well as the acceptability of the Declaration and its principles (democratic perspective) into question. In order to address this issue, it is necessary to involve the Protestant tradition in the discourse by presenting own reasons that support the universal principles in the Declaration (theological perspective). This discourse has shown that respect for cultural diversity, pluralism and the priority of universal shared values can be grounded from a Trinitarian perspective; therefore, the appeal of the Declaration to consider this principle seriously in the field of bioethics can be supported by the Protestant religious tradition.

Highlights

In 2005, the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization accepted the universal bioethical principle and human right of Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Bioethics and Human Rights, which reads as follows: The importance of cultural diversity and pluralism should be given due regard
For the first time in the history of bioethics, it was expected that respect for cultural diversity and pluralism had to be taken into account in the global bioethical discourse
The research problem from a UNESCO, democratic and theological perspective is indicated by Tham (2014:2–3), a Roman Catholic bioethicist

Summary

Introduction

In 2005, the United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (hereafter UNESCO) accepted the universal bioethical principle and human right of Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Bioethics and Human Rights (hereafter UDBHR or ‘Declaration’), which reads as follows: The importance of cultural diversity and pluralism should be given due regard.

Results

Conclusion