The mission of the National Consultative Ethics Committee for the Life and Health Sciences is to advise on ethical problems and social issues raised by advances in knowledge in the fields of biology, medicine and health. ” Law of August 6, 2004.
To shed light on the progress of science, raise new societal issues and take an ethical look at these developments… This is the mission of the Ethics Committee, which is at the heart of social debates. The Ccne constantly stimulates reflection on bioethics by helping to fuel contradictory debates within society without ever confiscating it.
One of its objectives: to involve citizens in ethical reflection and enable them to understand the ethical issues raised by certain scientific advances in the field of life sciences and health (evolution of biometrics, nanotechnologies, etc.).
To encourage public debate, the Ccne strives to establish a dialogue with citizens. Annual Ethics Days (2009 program), (2011 program) Regional Ethics Days, the organization of colloquiums and The Youth Forum are privileged moments of this dialogue.
The first mission of the Committee is to produce opinions and reports on the matters referred to it. Its freedom and independence give its recommendations real legitimacy. CCNE endeavors to provide the authors of the referral with an in-depth reflection allowing everyone to form an opinion. It is essential that the work of the Ccne can be relayed as widely as possible by a public debate.
All of the Ccne’s missions are now included in the bioethics law of August 6, 2004 (law n ° 2004-800) which gives it the status of independent authority.
The members
The National Consultative Ethics Committee is multidisciplinary and brings together a President and 39 members.
The law provides the Ccne with a multidisciplinary approach and a pluralism which allows views and opinions to be shared on each question. The Ccne is made up of:
– 1 President appointed by the President of the Republic for a renewable period of two years. He leads the work of the Ccne. Today, it is Prof. Jean-Claude Ameisen who is today the president of the Ccne.
– 39 members appointed for 4 years
5 belonging to the “main philosophical and spiritual families” (philosophical currents and Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim religions)
19 personalities chosen for “their competence and their interest in ethical issues”
5 personalities belonging to the “research sector” (Inserm, CNRS, Institut Pasteur, etc.)
1 Secretary General who coordinates the work of the Committee on a daily basis.
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