The Society is primarily for persons with a significant involvement in teaching, research or clinical aspects of bioethics. Persons with a degree in philosophy, theology or health law, registered members of a health care profession, and other interested persons are eligible for individual membership. Student memberships are available for those in training. A Student Network is in place to promote and support student participation in the Society.

Those eligible for institutional membership are: related professional organizations or societies; institutionally affiliated ethics committees; university or hospital departments; ethics institutes or research groups; and free-standing ethics, law or health oriented groups. A new membership category, introduced in 1993, is that of emeritus member.

Society dues are assessed annually in an amount proposed by the Executive Committee and approved by the general membership. Membership is contingent upon payment of annual dues. Individuals who have been paying members of the Society for three years, have attained age 65, and are retired from active practice pay 50% of the regular membership fee. The membership year is September 1 - August 31.

The Society is committed to bilingualism. Anglophone and francophone membership is encouraged and welcomed. Official documents of the Society are prepared and provided in both English and French. Participants at National meetings may speak in either language. A copy of the Society's constitution and bylaws is available on request.

The annual conference and business meeting is held late each year in late Autumn. The conference includes invited speakers and refereed papers presented as plenary sessions, topic oriented presentations and workshops. It provides a forum for presentation of current research findings and emerging ethical problems.