Established in 1985, the University of Minnesota's Center for Bioethics is a nationally prominent, yet locally focused, resource that conducts important research and provides educational programs and services to help students, professionals, policy makers, and the public confront the complex ethical issues emerging in health care and the life sciences. The University of Minnesota, the state legislature, and a progressive health-care oriented community have helped make the Center one of the most respected and highly visible bioethics programs in the country.