February 20, 2007 - 4:00pm
About 300 delegates from around the world are expected to attend an international conference on new reproductive and genetic technologies at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo, BC, May 24-26.
Nobody’s Child, Everybody’s Children: An International Conference on New Reproductive and Genetic Technologies “is already attracting significant attention,” said Beverly Revin, conference chair and professor in Malaspina’s Early Child Education and Care department.
Speakers and delegates will gather to critically consider legal, legislative, and medical issues related to the development and implementation of new reproductive and genetic technologies (NRGT’s).
“Our goal is to bring together as many different perspectives and philosophies as possible to discuss this controversial topic that affects all of us, either directly or indirectly,” said Revin. “We expect the conference will be a lively, informative dialogue and debate, and allow delegates to learn about the latest research and how Canada compares to other countries in dealing with vitally important issues concerning NRGT’s.”
Prominent speakers include Ms. Maureen McTeer of the Faculty of Common Law, University of Ottawa; and national and international experts such as Dr. Louise Vandelac, of the Department of Sociology, Université du Québec à Montréal; Dr. Jeffrey Nisker, of the Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, and Dr. Eric Blyth of the Department of Health & Social Studies, Huddersfield, United Kingdom. A conference program is online at www.viu.ca/nrgt.
The conference will feature a theatrical presentation entitled A Child on Her Mind, written by Jeffrey Nisker and Vangie Bergum, and directed by Catherine Caines of Gabriola Island, BC. “This is an exciting and emotionally intense production,” said Caines, a director with extensive professional experience as an actor and educator. The play focuses on three women and their different experiences with NRGT’s.
A multi-disciplinary team including community representatives and faculty from Malaspina’s Nursing, History, International Education, Philosophy, and Early Childhood Education and Care departments have been planning the conference for two years.
Revin said the conference is timely because the Assisted Human Reproductive Agency of Canada, led by Dr. Elinor Wilson, began its work earlier this month.
Registrations are filling up quickly. Early bird registration ($295) for the three-day conference is available until March 30. The fee increases to $375 after that. For information, or to register online, go to www.viu.ca/nrgt.
Tags: In the Community
