The study, evaluation and resolution of problems in the field of bioethics are complicated by the basic fact of the interdisciplinary nature of such problems. In few other fields does such a wide range of disciplines converge on particular problems. This disciplinary problem is further complicated by continuing advances in medical scientific technology. As a result, the questions and problems of bioethics come much easier and faster than resolutions or even clear statements of the problems. But the very urgency and significance of the problems demand an almost immediate resolution. This reader in bioethics is presented as a contribution to the ongoing discussion of issues such as these. Each article has a specific ethical argument or position, but the various arguments come from an interdisciplinary perspective which helps to broaden their impact. The articles are also very basic and important contributions to the discussion of a particular problem area in bioethics. In addition, each article frames its arguments in such a way as to have a long term interest and significance.