MENSEN IN WORDING Theologische, ethische en pastorale ...

Mensen in wording ("Humans in Process")Summary in EnglishIntroduction to and structure of the reportA special commission of the theological subcommittees of both the largest ReformedChurches in the Netherlands (that is, the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk and the GereformeerdeKerken in Nederland) was installed on 15 June, 1988, for the purpose of preparinga document regarding new developments in the biomedical sector. In particular, questionssurrounding human reproduction such as test tube fertilisation or IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation),embryo research and prenatal diagnosis, were to be addressed. The commission spent thereeyears undertaking this task and is now prepared to present a draft to the combi-synode of bothchurch associations.In chapter 1 we present a short account of the confessional foundation in order toprovide a context for the above-cited questions: the concept that God is the Creator of everyindividual human being, and the concept that the human being is only a human person when(s)he lives in community with his/her Creator and with his/her fellow men.In chapter 2 we provide general predominantly medical-technical information whichwe consider to be indispensible for the formation of an independent opinion within ourchurches. Important here is, among other things, the designation of the term per-embryo foran embryo of up to 20 days. We base this choice upon contemporary medical terminology,and do not intend any pronouncements regarding the dignity or value of the embryo.The main body of the report is found in the theological-ethical chapter 3, wherewithin a theological framework ethical positions are presented as concretely as possible.Chapter 4 ties together the thoughts of chapter 3 and directs these toward the churchpastorate. The reports consists further of a few appendices about the factual side of the citedtechniques, a list of selected literature, as well as a list of the commission members.The most important ethical positions (chapter 3)The point of departure for human actions in creation is the command found in Genesis 2, 15:for humanity to "till it" (the garden) and to "keep it". Tilling means the making use of our owncreative capabilities to give our own form to creation. Humanity stands, however, before therisk of neglecting the aspect of keeping: to lose sight of respectfully dealing with what theCreator has given us and misusing nature for our own ends. This compels us to reflect butdoes not mean that humanity may not make use of its creativity in the organisation ofcreation.The status of the human embryo From the moment of conception, the human beingis more than a mere mass of cells. What distinguishes the human being from the rest ofcreation is the nature of its relationship with others and with God. This confession gives riseto serious protectiveness in dealing with human life from the very first moment but does notmean that there would not be a distinction between a newly conceived embryo and adeveloped foetus. The growth of the human person is a process which we may ethicallytranslate by employing the term increasing protectiveness. The majority opinion of thecommission is that pre-embryo's deserve protection but not necessarily total untouchability.This means in practice that scientific research with pre-embryo's until the 14th day after