Biomedical Technology: Omnipresent in contemporary care, but virtually absent from Catholic bioethics

Catholic bioethicists have examined specific biomedical technologies (esp. at life’s beginning
and end). But a comprehensive reflection on the phenomenon of biomedical technology
itself is missing. Moreover, a paradox appears operative. Several such technologies are
rejected as unnatural when used to regulate procreation, but deemed a natural form of
intersubjective care and as such obligatory when sustaining life. Given the pervasiveness of
biomedical technology in contemporary health care, an in-depth reflection on this paradox
and the phenomenon of biomedical technology in general is needed. By critically reviewing
the existing Catholic bioethical literature, this paper seeks to contribute to such a
comprehensive ethical analysis.