Notions of bioethics and of the biomedical law in France

Abstract

After identifying the contours of the concept of bioethics, we identified and put into perspective the factors that explain its emergence. In a second step, we analyzed the terms "biomedicine law" and "bioethics law", to distinguish them from related concepts. It has been also argued, if bioethics can be understood as a science, before identifying the specificity of bioethics law, and discussing the different logic involved and that must be reconciled in discussions on bioethics. Finally, it seemed essential to insist on the principle of safeguarding human dignity, as the matrix principle of bioethics and biomedicine law, this principle being at the heart of all debates and issues of bioethics.