What Is FAB?

FAB was launched in 1992 at the Inaugural Congress of the International Association of Bioethics. FAB aims

• to develop a more inclusive theory of bioethics, taking seriously the standpoints and experiences of women and other marginalized social groups;
• to examine assumptions of bioethical discourse that privilege those already in power;
• and to create new methodologies and strategies responsive to the disparate conditions of women's lives across the globe.

Our membership includes academics, healthcare professionals, grass-root activists, and others with a concern about feminism and bioethics. In 2007 we have over 100 members in 20 different countries. Find out how to join at our Membership page.

We publish a newsletter twice a year, and maintain a listserv that is open to the public.

Since 1996 we have held FAB conferences in conjunction with meetings of the International Association of Bioethics. The first was in San Francisco, and subsequently in Japan (1998), London (2000), Brasilia (2002), Sydney (2004), and Beijing (2006). Planning for the next FAB conference in Croatia in 2008 is underway.

We also organize panels at national and international bioethics conferences and symposia.

FAB is a not-for-profit organization, supported by members' dues and by contributions.

Financial Support

The Audre Lorde Memorial Fund for Bioethics Research honours the memory of Audre Lorde whose life and work personifies FAB’s mission. Donations to this fund are tax deductible in the US and in other jurisdictions where allowable. The donations are used to fund scholarships and travel grants for deserving FAB members who are speaking at our biennial conferences.

If you would like to contribute to our work, please send a check made out to The Audre Lorde Fund for Bioethics Research to:

The FAB Treasurer, Anne Donchin
5 Riverpointe Road
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 USA.
Her e-mail address is: or .

From May 2008, contributions may be made on line on the IJFAB website at IUP.