What Feminist Bioethics Can Bring to Synthetic Biology.

The article critically examines the ethics of synthetic biology (synbio) through a feminist bioethics lens, arguing that existing ethical frameworks inadequately address issues of power, justice, and context in synbio research and its applications. Using two case studies—one on the semi-synthetic production of the antimalarial drug artemisinin and another on the workplace experiences of synbio scientists—the authors highlight how dominant narratives often prioritize scientific advancement and commercial interests over the well-being of affected communities and equitable research practices. They emphasize that feminist bioethics, with its focus on power sharing, inclusivity, and anti-colonialism, can better guide synbio toward socially just and ethically accountable outcomes. The article calls for more precise, community-engaged research agendas and critiques the influence of commercial funding on scientific priorities and workplace inequities within synbio.