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Farewell to Francesc Abel

. Francesc Abel i Fabre, member of the board of trustees of the Víctor Grifols i Lucas Foundation, died on December 31st, 2011.

 

He had been ill for some time, and was obliged to abandon the activities that he had previously pursued so relentlessly and with such enthusiasm that he was recognized as the very soul of Bioethics in Catalonia.


Thirty-five years ago, he founded the Borja Institute of Bioethics which was the first Spanish institute of its kind. As a Doctor of Medicine and a member of The Society of Jesus he soon felt the need to institutionalize how society reflected upon the important issues that arose in conjunction with the practice of medicine. He personally knew how the Kennedy Institute of Ethics operated in the United States, and he himself was already well-known among the pioneers who studied bioethics. Being open-minded, he was able to lay the foundations and build an institution that was never afraid to address even the most controversial issues concerning the beginning and the end of human life. His friendly nature and astute talent accompanied him throughout his life. This enabled him to deal with complicated issues without making a drama of them and to look for ways of bringing opposing view points closer together.


Francesc Abel has been an invaluable source of help and support to the Víctor Grifols Foundation due to his sharp lucid mind. We already began to miss his presence at the board meetings when his poor health prevented him from attending.  We thank him for everything that he has taught us and for his excellent disposition towards others.  Everyone at the foundation who has known him will remember him as they continue with their work.


 

Victoria Camps

 

President.

 

 

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