How Bioethicists Can Contribute to Democratic Deliberation

Abstract

It is sometimes suggested that policymaking on bioethical questions should be more democratic, either through direct popular participation (as in a referendum) or through improved forms of representation (such as random mini-publics or elected officials). Such proposals seem to leave no special place for input from bioethicists. This paper argues that it is not contrary to democracy to give bioethicists additional influence over relevant policy areas. First, while referenda, mini-publics, or electoral representation may be more democratic in some respects, these processes also have limitations, in particular excluding the interests of disenfranchised groups (such as children or future generations). Second, I suggest that it is wrong to think of democracy only in terms of something like the will of the citizens. Democracies usually involve mechanisms to divide power, potentially blocking a majority's will to protect minority rights. Bioethicists may serve this function, particularly when they raise objections on behalf of minorities or disenfranchised groups.