Biotechnology - An Introduction

Biotechnology is defined as all technology that utilises microorganisms, plant, animal, and human cells.

The Ministry of Health and Care Services is responsible for the part of biotechnology that involves human cells. Further regulation of this can be found in the Biotechnology Act (lovdata.no, in Norwegian) and the Biobank Act (lovdata.no, in Norwegian).

Humans Only

The Biotechnology Act exclusively regulates the human-medical use of biotechnology, meaning that which involves human cells. The Act includes provisions on:

• Assisted reproduction
• Research on fertilised eggs
• Prohibition of cloning
• Prenatal diagnosis
• Genetic testing of fertilised eggs
• Genetic testing of born individuals
• Gene therapy

Room for Everyone

The purpose clause of the Biotechnology Act states that the medical use of biotechnology should be utilised for the benefit of individuals in a society that accommodates everyone.

This should be done in accordance with principles of respect for human dignity, human rights, and personal integrity, and without discrimination based on genetic heritage, following the ethical norms established in our Western cultural heritage. The Directorate of Health must approve biotechnological activities.

The Ministry of Health and Care Services is also responsible for the provisions in the Gene Technology Act (lovdata.no, in Norwegian) concerning cloning and genetically modified organisms in laboratories and facilities.

The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board

The Biotechnology Council (bioteknologiradet.no/english) is an independent, advisory body appointed by the government and a consultative body for Norwegian authorities in matters concerning modern biotechnology.

The council is tasked with providing information to the public and administration, and promoting debate on the ethical and societal consequences of using modern biotechnology.