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Former Embryo Researcher Produces Play to Explore Ethics of Genetic Selection

TORONTO, September 15, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Dr. Jeffrey Nisker is a Professor of Obstetrics-Gynaecology and Oncology, and Coordinator of Medical Ethics and Humanities at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario. He spent years in the fertility industry creating, and experimenting upon and destroying, embryonic children.

While Nisker seems far from converting to the pro-life position, radical developments in the IVF industry, including sex and genetic selection of embryos, has prompted him to abandon IVF work and move full time into ethics. He sits on a number of national ethics boards and has contributed to the creation of Canada’s reproductive technologies legislation that was called one of the most deceptive and problematic in the world.

Apart from his academic work in bioethics, Nisker writes plays and stories that explore the issues involved in genetic research. His latest play, “Orchids,” investigates the ethics of genetic selection in artificial conception. Nisker is using the audience reaction to it as a gauge of public opinion on the subject. “Focus groups engage 30 people. We hope to engage 3,000,” says Nisker. “Instead of getting a knee-jerk reaction to a telephone poll, theatre has the power to engage the audience.”

The play’s splash page on the website poses the questions, “What is normal?  Who should decide? Can genetic intervention help us determine what life is worth living?” Notably, the substantial website text about the play does not refer to tougher questions such as “Is there a right or wrong on these matters”, “Are there universal moral principles that apply” or “What is not permissible?” Rather, the emphasis appears to be on opinion, perception, feelings - all so typical of modern bioethics.

Despite their complete acceptance of every aspect of modern reproductive technologies and related research, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research has funded Nisker’s theatrical efforts with nearly $250,000.

The play runs in Toronto from September 13-17, at the Al Green Theatre and in Vancouver at the Roundhouse Theatre.

Read the website for the play, Orchids:
http://www.orchids-pgd.ca/index.html

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