Editorial - Happy New Year, 1996
Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics 6 (1996), 1.
In the absence of a better title I wish everyone a happy new year. The first paper in this issue is by Irina Polard and it looks in-depth at a sensitive and important issue. The future of the human race depends on the children, and their future good life depends on genes, environment and society in the broadest sense, both before their birth (even conception) and after. The paper will bring out many of the issues discussed in the Fetal Environment and Neonate section over the past 6 years. The same basic questions are also discussed by commentators from Japan, Israel and India. All countries value their children, and would do what they can for them, as would all mothers, so why do we have so much epidemiological data and continued bad habits? We invite further comments and debate on an area which may be difficult to legislate in, but it is ethically responsible to act, and share knowledge - a truly bioethical issue.

Also included in this issue on the theme of education is another letter on the subject of drama in ethics education, continuing from last issue. We would like to hear from others with experience. Following this is a large section of abstracts from the Beijing EACB'95 conference, with abstracts of all papers that were available from Qiu RenZong, from people that attended the meeting. There were also some abstracts which were not printed here, and these will be available from the Internet site. Apologies to those authors who could not make it to Beijing, and space permitting we may be able to print some more in a future issue. These abstracts should give a picture of East Asian bioethics debate to those outside. We will also have more news, including presidential news in a later issue.

Also included in this issue besides the regular news updates and literature, are an English translation of Japanese food saftey guidelines for GMO products.

There are three new books in the production line, as mentioned on the back cover.

Thank you to all who renewed your subscription. Some people did not, and hello to you through the Internet. I do not put the little registration fee reminders each time you open the www site, but your support is very much appreciated. Also the new year brought some good news with a successful grant application with the Niwano Peace Foundation to help build up bioethics in Asia and developing countries around the world with circulation of EJAIB. Therefore you are welcome to copy the form on the back and give it to friends who cannot access Internet and who might want a copy. However, if you live in a country where you can afford to contribute financially please do so, the free copy is intended for those who cannot pay.

And to everyone, a regular request, please send news and letters to share in the network.

-Darryl Macer

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