• Accessibility Tools
  • Action Headquarters
  • Media Center
    • Press Releases
    • Press Kit
    • All News

American Humanist Association

Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists, and freethinkers

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About
    • About

      For over 80 years, the AHA has proudly served as the leading progressive voice in America on behalf of humanists, atheists, agnostics, and freethinkers.

      Learn More
    • Our Mission
    • Our History
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Financial Info and Reports
    • Contact Us
  • Are You Humanist?
    • Are You Humanist?

      Guided by reason, inspired by compassion, and informed by experience.

      Learn More
    • Definition of Humanism
    • Humanism and Its Aspirations
    • Humanist of the Year Award
    • Famous Humanists in History
  • Key Issues
    • Key Issues

      We are committed to building an inclusive America grounded in an embrace of reason, ethics, scientific inquiry, and compassion- rather than religious dogma.

      Learn More
    • Defending Nontheists and Promoting Humanism
    • Religion and Government Separation
    • Social Justice
    • Scientific Integrity
    • Promoting Peace
    • Resolutions and Statements
  • What We Do
    • What We Do

      We work tirelessly in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend civil liberties, secular governance, and scientific integrity.

      Learn More
    • Legal
    • Legislative
    • Education Center
    • Local Groups
    • Programs and Adjuncts
    • Publications
    • AHA at the Supreme Court
    • National Day of Reason
    • Boycott the Pledge Campaign
    • Humanist Disaster Recovery
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Humanism for All Prisoners’ Project
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      Ready for change? Join our network and be the first to take action. Get the resources and tools you need to make a real difference.

      Learn More
    • Humanist Action Headquarters
    • Report a Violation or Discrimination
    • Find a Local AHA Chapter
    • Become a Humanist Celebrant
    • Events and Conferences
    • Grants and Programs
    • Resources
  • Ways to Give
    • Ways to Give

      Through winning lawsuits, active lobbying, and effective media campaigns, your contribution can go a long way.

      Learn More
    • Join
    • Renew
    • Donate
    • Online-Only Membership
    • Leave a Bequest
    • IRA Rollover Gifts
    • Other Ways to Give
  • Media Center
  • Take Action
November 10, 2009 Press Releases

Jonathan Moreno and Andrew Light Speak About Bioethics and Climate Change at the National Press Club

Facebook Twitter Email Share
November 10, 2009 Press Releases

Washington, DC– The Appignani Bioethics Center, a project of the American Humanist Association, held a panel discussion today at the National Press Club to examine controversial emerging technologies in biomedical sciences and climate change. The topics were framed by Jonathan Moreno and Andrew Light, both of the Center for American Progress, who considered the issues from ethical and political angles. 

A video of the event will be made available here later today: www.youtube.com/humanistvision . 

The panelists argued that debates around these controversial technologies have become increasingly politicized–highlighting fundamental differences between basic moral convictions, world-views, and political assumptions, which makes finding common ground an almost impossible task. 

One such illustrative case is that of Terri Schiavo, which Jonathan Moreno commented on in a statement to the Appignani Bioethics Center: “Neurologists who study cases of vegetative states like those of Terri Schiavo have come to identify them as permanently vegetative,” said Moreno. “‘Right to life’ advocates insist upon more and more medical tests and interventions, thus exploiting a private family matter for political advantage. Legally (and in my opinion morally), it will still be up to the patient or their appointed agent to decide about treatment, despite disagreements among family members.” At the panel, Moreno spoke about the history and politics of bioethics, and noted that as science has advanced, concerns about the implications for traditional values have deepened. He went on to illustrate how those concerns have played out in the political debate.

Andrew Light spoke about the science, politics and ethics of climate change, and noted that the subject is particularly timely due to a scheduled early-December meeting in Copenhagen that will bring together countries around the globe to consider ways to curb CO2. Light argued that success at the meeting would be an agreement on the architecture–one that will bring developed and undeveloped countries together to work on the issue in a way that ethically accounts for the differing needs and responsibilities of all parties. He went on to call on the United States to take steps to curb CO2 by reducing deforestation, developing renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and cutting carbon emissions–steps which Light projected would save the United States a net of 14 billion dollars.

Jonathan Moreno, Ph.D., is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a David and Lyn Silfen University professor of ethics, a professor of medical ethics and of history and sociology of science at the University of Pennsylvania and formerly a member of President Barack Obama’s transition team for the Department of Health and Human Services. Andrew Light, Ph.D., is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and director of the Center for Global Ethics at George Mason University. The panel was moderated by Ana Lita, Ph.D., the director of the Appignani Bioethics Center at the United Nations in New York City.

The Appignani Bioethics Center (ABC), a project of the American Humanist Association, helps inform local, state, national and international policy debates about global issues in medical and biotechnological sciences through collaboration with NGOs and UN departments, bodies and agencies. The Center provides educational venues and opportunities for confronting various issues facing developed and developing world countries.  www.humanistbioethics.org.

The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across the United States.

Humanism is the idea that you can be good without a belief in God. 

 

 

###

More Press Releases

Latest news from TheHumanist.com

Subscribe Today

Building Humanist Communities at #AHACON22

Nicole Carr

What Would a Humanist Do? Tough and Necessary Conversations

TheHumanist.com Staff

Meet the New AHA Staff Member: Isabella Russian

TheHumanist.com Staff

81st Anniversary Conference: Got Humanism?

Nicole Carr

The Comics Section: Fingers Crossed

The Comics Section: Fingers Crossed
American Humanist Association
1821 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-238-9088
800-837-3792 (toll-free)
202-238-9003 (fax)
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About the American Humanist Association
  • Are You Humanist?
  • What We Do
  • Key Issues
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Involved
  • Report a Violation or Discrimination
  • Press Kit
  • Local Groups
  • Education Center
  • Become a Humanist Celebrant
  • Job and Internship Opportunities
  • Humanist Action Headquarters
  • Sign Up for AHA Emails
  • Privacy Policy
  • Records Policy
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

©2022 American Humanist Association. All Rights Reserved.

Combined Federal CampaignIndependent Charities of AmericaGuideStarCharity NavigatorGuidestar 2021 Platinum Seal of Transparency