Bioethics News: Latest on Stem Cells, Cloning, & other Ethical Issues
The intersection of medical technology, medical practice, and ethical principles is an important field of study, but the rapid advance of medical technology has made it perhaps the most important field of ethics today. Bioethics concerns some of the most troubling topics, like the nature of life, the nature of death, and what sort of life is worth living.
Biology & Behavior: Psychiatric Disorders as Autoimmune Diseases
For a while now, scientists have suspected that some psychiatric problems were really autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's own immune system begins to attack the body itself rather than invaders. A correlation of certain types of infections with certain disorders was one of the first clues, but now there is hard evidence.
For a while now, scientists have suspected that some psychiatric problems were really autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's own immune system begins to attack the body itself rather than invaders. A correlation of certain types of infections with certain disorders was one of the first clues, but now there is hard evidence.
Life, Death, and Self-Ownership
Cultural conflict in America has focused in recent years over issues surrounding the beginning of life - abortion and contraception, for example. Recently, though, end-of-life issues have been growing in importance and it is likely that they will continue to become more important in the coming years.
Cultural conflict in America has focused in recent years over issues surrounding the beginning of life - abortion and contraception, for example. Recently, though, end-of-life issues have been growing in importance and it is likely that they will continue to become more important in the coming years.
Reforming the Drug Industry
A jury in Texas awarded the widow of a man who died after a heart attack USD $253 million in her case against Merck, manufacturer of Vioxx. The decision has been criticized on the argument that there was no proof that Vioxx caused the problem, but the jury was probably swayed by evidence of Merck covering up the risks of the drug...
A jury in Texas awarded the widow of a man who died after a heart attack USD $253 million in her case against Merck, manufacturer of Vioxx. The decision has been criticized on the argument that there was no proof that Vioxx caused the problem, but the jury was probably swayed by evidence of Merck covering up the risks of the drug...
Bioethics: Cardinal Newman Society vs. Catholic Colleges
The Cardinal Newman Society, a powerful group of conservative Catholics, has sent a letter to various Catholic colleges demanding that 18 'academics' be removed from their positions for supporting a "culture of death." These people have defended abortion rights and/or sided with Terri Schiavo's husband.
The Cardinal Newman Society, a powerful group of conservative Catholics, has sent a letter to various Catholic colleges demanding that 18 'academics' be removed from their positions for supporting a "culture of death." These people have defended abortion rights and/or sided with Terri Schiavo's husband.
Misusing Nazi Analogies: Stem Cell Research and Human Experiments
A favorite argument of the Christian Right against things like stem-cell research is that it would bring us a step closer to being like the Nazis. People who use this argument don't appear to really know much about what the Nazis were really like.
A favorite argument of the Christian Right against things like stem-cell research is that it would bring us a step closer to being like the Nazis. People who use this argument don't appear to really know much about what the Nazis were really like.
Harassing Atheists
The hatred that some conservative Christians have for atheists is really astounding. Imagine how insecure a person must be in their beliefs and their religion that they would experience such extreme emotional reactions to others who question, challenge, and reject those beliefs.
The hatred that some conservative Christians have for atheists is really astounding. Imagine how insecure a person must be in their beliefs and their religion that they would experience such extreme emotional reactions to others who question, challenge, and reject those beliefs.
Bush Supports Religious Discrimination in Adoption?
Religious conservatives are touting a program that has people "adopting" unused frozen embryos. The idea is that if these embryos can be "adopted," then they shouldn't be used for stem cell research. Even President Bush has supported the program - but does he know that it discriminates against all but conservative Christians?
Religious conservatives are touting a program that has people "adopting" unused frozen embryos. The idea is that if these embryos can be "adopted," then they shouldn't be used for stem cell research. Even President Bush has supported the program - but does he know that it discriminates against all but conservative Christians?
The 'Logic' of Opposition to Stem-Cell Research
If it is reasonable to oppose federal funding of stem-cell research because it means killing human life, then why shouldn't scientists who participate in stem-cell research with private funding be charged with murder? I don't think that any stem-cell research opponents have addressed this question.
If it is reasonable to oppose federal funding of stem-cell research because it means killing human life, then why shouldn't scientists who participate in stem-cell research with private funding be charged with murder? I don't think that any stem-cell research opponents have addressed this question.
Viagra & Sex Offenders: Setting Morality Tests for Medical Benefits?
People all over the country expressed outrage to hear that sex offenders in California were receiving erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra through Medicaid. Due to pressure from the federal government, Gov. Schwarzenegger has ordered the distribution stop, but it's not clear that anything wrong was done.
People all over the country expressed outrage to hear that sex offenders in California were receiving erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra through Medicaid. Due to pressure from the federal government, Gov. Schwarzenegger has ordered the distribution stop, but it's not clear that anything wrong was done.
How to Rig a Drug Trial
More and more, it's becoming evident that drug trials conducted by drug companies tend to return favorable results for the drugs being tested... more favorable than similar trials done by others. Something's wrong, but how are the drug companies' trials being affected? What are they doing?
More and more, it's becoming evident that drug trials conducted by drug companies tend to return favorable results for the drugs being tested... more favorable than similar trials done by others. Something's wrong, but how are the drug companies' trials being affected? What are they doing?
Religious Objections to HPV vaccine
What would happen if scientists could develop vaccines against sexually transmitted diseases which cause health problems or even death? One would think that anything which improves and saves lives would be good, but religious extremists would likely oppose this because it would allow people to escape the consequences of sexual sin.
What would happen if scientists could develop vaccines against sexually transmitted diseases which cause health problems or even death? One would think that anything which improves and saves lives would be good, but religious extremists would likely oppose this because it would allow people to escape the consequences of sexual sin.
Pharmacies Skirt Laws to Increase Profits
There are pharmacies out there that buy raw ingredients in bulk and manufacture their own drugs rather than buy the final product from pharmaceutical companies. The drugs created in this manner are not approved by the FDA, not monitored for safety or potency, and bring with them a host of problems. But they can increase profits.
There are pharmacies out there that buy raw ingredients in bulk and manufacture their own drugs rather than buy the final product from pharmaceutical companies. The drugs created in this manner are not approved by the FDA, not monitored for safety or potency, and bring with them a host of problems. But they can increase profits.
Christian Right Pushing for End to Living Wills?
One of the problems for religious conservatives who want Terri Shiavo's gastric tube reinserted is that the case hinges on the fact that the courts have determined that this is what Terri would have wanted. Therefore, they must argue that patient wishes shouldn’t be followed in these cases. That may sound paternalistic and authoritarian, but that's exactly what they are discussing.
One of the problems for religious conservatives who want Terri Shiavo's gastric tube reinserted is that the case hinges on the fact that the courts have determined that this is what Terri would have wanted. Therefore, they must argue that patient wishes shouldn’t be followed in these cases. That may sound paternalistic and authoritarian, but that's exactly what they are discussing.
Facts and Lies About Terri Schiavo (2 updates)
Terri Schaivo's sad case keeps appearing in the news, but more often than not we hear lies, myths, and distortions - consistently from religious conservatives (and especially conservative Catholics) determined to say or do anything in the name of their cause. If only they paid closer attention to medical facts and logic...
Terri Schaivo's sad case keeps appearing in the news, but more often than not we hear lies, myths, and distortions - consistently from religious conservatives (and especially conservative Catholics) determined to say or do anything in the name of their cause. If only they paid closer attention to medical facts and logic...
Doctor Evangelizing New Patients?
Medical professionals have been debating recently about how they can best address patients' religious and spiritual needs. Should addressing those needs, however, including taking the first step to bring religion up — even to begin evangelizing patients?
Medical professionals have been debating recently about how they can best address patients' religious and spiritual needs. Should addressing those needs, however, including taking the first step to bring religion up — even to begin evangelizing patients?
Administration Instructs Scientists to Lie
Should the government alter scientific findings in order to make the reports support a political agenda? Science isn't completely amoral and value-free, but twisting it to promote specific political goals undermines all that science is supposed to stand for. Unfortunately, the Bush administration doesn't seem to care much about that.
Should the government alter scientific findings in order to make the reports support a political agenda? Science isn't completely amoral and value-free, but twisting it to promote specific political goals undermines all that science is supposed to stand for. Unfortunately, the Bush administration doesn't seem to care much about that.
Doctor Drops Patient For Not Backing Malpractice Cause
It's become more common for doctors to have petitions and other political information available in their waiting rooms. But what about a doctor who insists on talking politics with patients? How about a doctor who pressures a patient to sign a petition on malpractice and tort reform, even going so far as to drop her when she refuses?
It's become more common for doctors to have petitions and other political information available in their waiting rooms. But what about a doctor who insists on talking politics with patients? How about a doctor who pressures a patient to sign a petition on malpractice and tort reform, even going so far as to drop her when she refuses?
When Medicine and Religion Collide
What should doctors do when a patient's religious beliefs conflict with medical advice and practice? At the very least, recovery will become more difficult and the doctor's job harder. A recent study shows that most doctors have had to deal with this, but most manage to deal with it reasonably well.
What should doctors do when a patient's religious beliefs conflict with medical advice and practice? At the very least, recovery will become more difficult and the doctor's job harder. A recent study shows that most doctors have had to deal with this, but most manage to deal with it reasonably well.
Judge Orders Addict Not to Have Kids
In Rochester, New York, a Family Court judge has ordered a drug addict to stop having children until she can prove that she can take care of the seven she already has. If she does have any more kids, she'll be jailed. This raises the question of whether judges have the authority to issue such orders and whether people have a right to procreate.
In Rochester, New York, a Family Court judge has ordered a drug addict to stop having children until she can prove that she can take care of the seven she already has. If she does have any more kids, she'll be jailed. This raises the question of whether judges have the authority to issue such orders and whether people have a right to procreate.
Creepy Solutions to Stem-Cell Debate
People object to stem-cell research because they sincerely believe that destroying an embryo in order to harvest its stem cells is tantamount to murder. People are working on ways to get around this roadblock and some proposed solutions sound almost worse than the current situation.
People object to stem-cell research because they sincerely believe that destroying an embryo in order to harvest its stem cells is tantamount to murder. People are working on ways to get around this roadblock and some proposed solutions sound almost worse than the current situation.
Tort Reform, Caps on Damages Won't Lower Physician Premiums
It is claimed by those fighting for caps on medical malpractice awards that excessive awards are the reason for high insurance premiums the doctors pay - and doctors say that these premiums drive them out of business. The truth, however, seems to be quite different.
It is claimed by those fighting for caps on medical malpractice awards that excessive awards are the reason for high insurance premiums the doctors pay - and doctors say that these premiums drive them out of business. The truth, however, seems to be quite different.
Fed Assault on Oregon's Suicide Law Continues
Republican politicians who are big supporters of states' rights on other issues continue to fight the principle when it comes to Oregon's suicide laws. Attorney General John Ashcroft has asked the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that allows doctors to prescribe drugs that can be used for suicide.
Republican politicians who are big supporters of states' rights on other issues continue to fight the principle when it comes to Oregon's suicide laws. Attorney General John Ashcroft has asked the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that allows doctors to prescribe drugs that can be used for suicide.
Stem Cells Help Woman Walk Again
Opponents of stem-cell research tend to argue that the claims made on behalf of the research are overblown and unrealistic. People support stem-cell research on the idea that the possible benefits outweigh the ethical questions, so if they can be convinced that the benefits aren't so great, they can be swayed against the research.
Opponents of stem-cell research tend to argue that the claims made on behalf of the research are overblown and unrealistic. People support stem-cell research on the idea that the possible benefits outweigh the ethical questions, so if they can be convinced that the benefits aren't so great, they can be swayed against the research.
Swiss Approve Stem-Cell Research
Swiss citizens have overwhelmingly approved a law permitting stem-cell research to proceed in their nation. Opponents of stem-cell research tried to have Switzerland's science-friendly law overturned, but they failed in their campaign.
Swiss citizens have overwhelmingly approved a law permitting stem-cell research to proceed in their nation. Opponents of stem-cell research tried to have Switzerland's science-friendly law overturned, but they failed in their campaign.
Stem Cell Research: Weighing Benefits and Dangers
The debate over stem cell research typically revolves around the question about whether the benefits outweigh the risks and ethical problems. Stem cells hold a lot of promise to cure many nasty diseases; on the other hand, there are serious questions about whether they can be ethically gathered from embryos.
The debate over stem cell research typically revolves around the question about whether the benefits outweigh the risks and ethical problems. Stem cells hold a lot of promise to cure many nasty diseases; on the other hand, there are serious questions about whether they can be ethically gathered from embryos.
French Parliament Bans Human Cloning
With a new law France joins a number of other nations that have tried to ban human cloning as a "crime against the human species," though research on human embryos will continue. It remains to be seen, however, whether this law will have the effect that is hoped.
With a new law France joins a number of other nations that have tried to ban human cloning as a "crime against the human species," though research on human embryos will continue. It remains to be seen, however, whether this law will have the effect that is hoped.
Vatican Condemns Human Cloning
The Roman Catholic Church may have eventually apologized for it's treatment of Galileo and they may now accept evolutionary theory, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't continue to oppose science and scientific research. Only the topics have changed and, today, that biggest topics may be cloning and stem cell research.
The Roman Catholic Church may have eventually apologized for it's treatment of Galileo and they may now accept evolutionary theory, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't continue to oppose science and scientific research. Only the topics have changed and, today, that biggest topics may be cloning and stem cell research.
Debating Stem Cell Research
Questions about stem cell research are moving out of the labs and into the public spotlight with greater force now that it is becoming a campaign issue. Will stem cells be used to heal others, or will the Christian Right succeed in keeping them off limits?
Questions about stem cell research are moving out of the labs and into the public spotlight with greater force now that it is becoming a campaign issue. Will stem cells be used to heal others, or will the Christian Right succeed in keeping them off limits?
Support for Stem Cell Research Increases
Stem cell research is becoming more and more of an important issue. It holds out a lot of promise for the treatment and even cure of some of our most intractable diseases. Unfortunately, the Christian Right wants to severely restrict the research - and George W. Bush has made himself the candidate of the Christian Right.
Stem cell research is becoming more and more of an important issue. It holds out a lot of promise for the treatment and even cure of some of our most intractable diseases. Unfortunately, the Christian Right wants to severely restrict the research - and George W. Bush has made himself the candidate of the Christian Right.
Mohler: IVF is Evil
As medical and biological technologies advance, new and interesting ethical questions about the limits of acceptable human actions are raised. For some religious leaders, though, these technologies do more: they threaten to undermine their religiously-based sexual morality beliefs.
As medical and biological technologies advance, new and interesting ethical questions about the limits of acceptable human actions are raised. For some religious leaders, though, these technologies do more: they threaten to undermine their religiously-based sexual morality beliefs.
Clinical Drug Trials "Distorted"
Pharmaceutical companies are allowed to bring drugs to market and advertise them based upon results in clinical trials. What if those companies only report on the "good" trials, though, and hide the evidence gained from trials that show the drugs to be ineffective - or worse?
Pharmaceutical companies are allowed to bring drugs to market and advertise them based upon results in clinical trials. What if those companies only report on the "good" trials, though, and hide the evidence gained from trials that show the drugs to be ineffective - or worse?
Michigan: Gay Doctors Oppose "Conscience" Bill
A proposed Michigan law would allow doctors and other medical professionals to refuse to treat patients on "ethical, moral or religious grounds." Gay doctors in Michigan are working against it because they recognize it for what it is: a thinly veiled attempt to give bigots a way to avoid treating gays.
A proposed Michigan law would allow doctors and other medical professionals to refuse to treat patients on "ethical, moral or religious grounds." Gay doctors in Michigan are working against it because they recognize it for what it is: a thinly veiled attempt to give bigots a way to avoid treating gays.
Pfizer Executive Backs Drug Imports from Canada
Drug manufacturers have long tried to argue that cheaper drugs from Canada pose a health risk and shouldn't be chosen over their more expensive American equivalents. I'm surprised that Canadians put up with dangerous drugs! One executive, though, has broken ranks and admitted that the Canadian drugs are not only safe, but save lives.
Drug manufacturers have long tried to argue that cheaper drugs from Canada pose a health risk and shouldn't be chosen over their more expensive American equivalents. I'm surprised that Canadians put up with dangerous drugs! One executive, though, has broken ranks and admitted that the Canadian drugs are not only safe, but save lives.
FDA: Public Watchdog or Corporate Dog?
Questions about the FDA are being raised in the wake of Merck's decision to take the drug Vioxx off the market. A new study reveals a strong link between Vioxx and heart attacks, but strong signs existed weeks ago and evidence existed years ago. The FDA did nothing.
Questions about the FDA are being raised in the wake of Merck's decision to take the drug Vioxx off the market. A new study reveals a strong link between Vioxx and heart attacks, but strong signs existed weeks ago and evidence existed years ago. The FDA did nothing.
Can You Be Ordered Not to Have Kids?
Many people argue that there is no "right to privacy" that includes a right to be able to control one's reproduction and, hence, a right to things like abortion or contraception. But if such a right does not exist, then doesn't the government have the authority to order you not to reproduce? An Ohio judge thought so, but the state's Supreme Court thankfully reversed his decision.
Many people argue that there is no "right to privacy" that includes a right to be able to control one's reproduction and, hence, a right to things like abortion or contraception. But if such a right does not exist, then doesn't the government have the authority to order you not to reproduce? An Ohio judge thought so, but the state's Supreme Court thankfully reversed his decision.
Stem Cell Research in Spain
Catholic leaders are already trying to fight the Spanish government's decision to legalize gay marriage, but now they are going to have to fight the government's decision to allow stem cell research. The Vatican is opposed to this move, but the Spanish government just doesn't seem to care.
Catholic leaders are already trying to fight the Spanish government's decision to legalize gay marriage, but now they are going to have to fight the government's decision to allow stem cell research. The Vatican is opposed to this move, but the Spanish government just doesn't seem to care.
UK: Scientists Given OK for Therapeutic Human Cloning
The ethics of human cloning are not entirely certain, but not everyone is willing to submit to religious pressure and prohibit it entirely. In Britain, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has granted a license to scientists at the University of Newcastle for therapeutic human cloning.
The ethics of human cloning are not entirely certain, but not everyone is willing to submit to religious pressure and prohibit it entirely. In Britain, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has granted a license to scientists at the University of Newcastle for therapeutic human cloning.
Italy: Religion-Based Fertility Laws Frustrate Citizens
If you are curious what America might be like if Roman Catholic officials have their way and are able to get health and fertility laws rewritten in accordance with Catholic doctrine, you merely need to look over at Italy. There the laws have been changed to better fit Catholicism and the people are getting more and more upset over it.
If you are curious what America might be like if Roman Catholic officials have their way and are able to get health and fertility laws rewritten in accordance with Catholic doctrine, you merely need to look over at Italy. There the laws have been changed to better fit Catholicism and the people are getting more and more upset over it.