What Kind of Future Awaits Us? Some Challenging Questions for the Future of Bioethics in Ibero-America

Abstract

When one reflects on the historical perspective that has characterized the development of Latin America bioethics, one can distinguish a continuity, not without problems, among its three stages: (1) the 1970s, when North-American bioethics was transplanted and received; (2) the 1980s, a period of assimilation and evolution in accord with Latin American culture; and, (3) from the 1990s on, the re-creation phase involving the assertion of a uniquely Latin American perspective and practice that not only interprets bioethical contributions from other parts of the world, but enriches their meaning by engaging in a dialogical process. Fundamental to understanding this Latin American perspective is an examination of its epistemological foundations (cf. Garrafa et al. 2006) to bring to light those challenges that require more than just reflection. Among these challenges to be faced are concerns about ecology and the environment, research on human beings, public policies, legislation and law, and dialogue between secular and religious spheres.