In his recent book Life, Liberty, and the Defense of Dignity: The Challenge for Bioethics (Encounter Books, 2002), Leon Kass gives a report on the status of biotechnology and the perils of ignoring human dignity as it relates to scientific advancements.

Trained as a medical doctor and a biochemist, Dr. Kass is one of America's most provocative thinkers on bioethical issues. In a series of essays on cloning, embryo research, the Human Genome Project, the sale of organs, and the assault on mortality itself, Dr. Kass evaluates the ongoing effort to break down the natural boundaries and to refashion the human body into an instrument of our will. He believes that technology has done and will continue to do wonders for our health and longevity. But there is more at stake in the biological revolution than saving life and avoiding death. He will discuss these issues at this luncheon.