Author: Fr. Robert A. Brungs, SJ
Article Abstract:
A commentary on the 1995 petition (signed by many church and religious leaders) to “oppose the patenting of human and animal life forms…We (the church leaders) believe that humans and animals are creations of God, not humans, and as such should not be patented as human inventions.” In his commentary and analysis Brungs disagrees with the “all or nothing” tone of the petition as he discusses the complex issues embedded in the text, among those issues: the meaning of patenting, its privileges and requirements; profit and the role of large corporations; genetically engineered plants and so on.
