Framing the discussion on Pre-Birth Testing

Framing the discussion on Pre-Birth Testing

Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council has begun a new and innovative form of public engagement in its latest project on pre-birth testing. The process involves members of the public framing the approaches to a policy issue which reflect what the public holds valuable. Pre-birth testing will be the subject of a broad public deliberation later this year.

The first of a series of ‘framing exercises’ was held in Wellington on Friday 27 July, and more are to follow in Auckland and in other parts of the country.

According to John Pennington, Programme Leader of Toi te Taiao: the Bioethics Council, “The purpose of going through these framing exercises is to involve members of the public in determining which broad themes about pre-birth Testing they most want to see discussed in a public forum. Rather than presenting the public with only what we or experts see as the critical issues members of the public determine what approaches best reflect their values, principles and what is most important to them. Our hope is that by doing this, a richer discussion will be possible that will include more people and points of view than would otherwise have been the case and will result in delivering practical actions to government.”

Expressions of interest for people to be part of the one-day Framing Workshops were very strong, with all workshops being over-subscribed. Up to 20 people are involved in each of the Framing Workshops.

Framing exercises are planned in Auckland, Wellington, Hawes Bay and Christchurch and are expected to run through until mid-August.

ENDS

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