Union College is delighted to be hosting a number of bioethics events in November, including two film screenings and a Saturday morning conference. We were delighted to have been awarded an ECLAS Science for Seminaries grant for 2022 -23 to make these events possible. *
On Thursday, 10th November at 7.30 pm there will be a screening of the 2016 documentary film ‘Future Baby’ in Riddel Hall, Queen’s University, Belfast, exploring the complex field of medically assisted reproduction. The film examines different perspectives from around the world – from patients and researchers, to egg donors and surrogate mothers, as well the perspective from laboratories and clinics.
“Without evaluation but with precise and consistent observation, the filmmaker questions the desire for parenthood in the Western world. Is there a right to children at any price?”
(Zurich Film Festival, 2016)
The film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with leading experts from the fields of bioethics, biomedical science and medical law.
This is a free event, open to all. Booking is essential. Tea and coffee will be provided from 6.45pm.
On Friday, 11th November, Union is partnering with Stranmillis University College to host a morning for Religious Studies AS and A Level pupils and their teachers. The 2009 drama film, ‘My Sister’s Keeper’, will be shown in the Drama Theatre at Stranmillis followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with leading experts from the fields of bioethics, biomedical science and medical law.
The morning will run from 9.45 – 12.45 and will be followed by a lunchtime consultation with RS teachers from 13.00 – 14.00, creating an opportunity to engage with the panel of experts and together explore the teaching of bioethics in the classroom.
This is a free event for AS and A Level Religious Studies pupils and teachers. Booking is essential.
On Saturday, 12th November, Union will host a morning conference, ‘Future Family: Reproductive Possibilities in Today’s World’, exploring the developments in reproductive technologies and procedures in recent decades and considering how Christians can speak and act with integrity and compassion. How might we think about the use of reproductive technology? What does a biblical concept of family and children have to say? Should parents feel obliged to bring the best possible children into existence? How can we offer medical support and pastoral care for those suffering the pain of infertility and childlessness?
To help us explore these questions, we will be joined by Dr Matt James,Director of the Centre for Bioethics and Emerging Technologies at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, and Dr Calum MacKellar, Director of Research at the Scottish Council on Human Bioethics.
The morning conference is free, open to all, and will run from 9.00 – 13.00, followed by lunch.
Booking is essential.
For more information on any of the events, contact Dr Olwyn Mark at o.mark@union.ac.uk
* Science for Seminaries and the ECLAS project are funded by a £3.4 million grant from the Templeton Religion Trust, running 2020 – 2023. ECLAS is led from St John’s College, Durham University in partnership with the University of York and the Church of England.