Summary

Abstract

The main problem of ethical decision-making in modern pluralistic societies is that consensus is hard to establish. Most of the relevant questions in the field of biomedicine, such as stem cell research, embryology, euthanasia and transplantation medicine, are highly controversial. At the same time, legal certainty often requires legislative action. Thus, the legislator appears obliged to act, but there are neither generally accepted moral rules that can be relied upon, nor can all-encompassing consensus be reached.