Die waarde van menswaardigheid in die bioetiek

Abstract

Bioethicists and jurists put forward that the notion of “human dignity” adds nothing to the field of bioethics and is essentially a meaningless term. Against this presupposition the view is put forward that the notion of “human dignity” belongs to the heart of the Bible and can therefore be used as a valuable notion in bioethics. Human dignity is founded in the fact that man is created in the image of God. The fact that man is created in God’s image, and therefore has human dignity, undoubtedly has implications for bioethics. Human dignity by and towards man in bioethics has the meaning that one must strive for the healing of disease; that man must act and be treated as a psychosomatic unit; that reproduction may occur exclusively within marriage; and that all human life has to be maximally protected. Where the aforementioned does not occur, God-given human dignity is impinged upon.