Bioethics Polls: Register Your Opinion on Questions about Bioethics
Bioethics is one of the more important fields in contemporary moral philosophy. Knowledge and technology in science and biology are advancing very rapidly - perhaps more rapidly than our ability to determine if we should do all of the things we now can do. Should we manipulate the human genome? Should we clone people? When does life begin and end?
Should Unmarried Women be Allowed to have Children Artificially?
It has long been a basic principle of conservatism, and especially religious conservatism, that sex should only occur in the context of marriage and reproduction (and reproduction should only occur in the context of marriage). "The 'pro-life' movement is not about 'life.' It's about control over women and our bodies %u2014 but should this be allowed to happen?
It has long been a basic principle of conservatism, and especially religious conservatism, that sex should only occur in the context of marriage and reproduction (and reproduction should only occur in the context of marriage). "The 'pro-life' movement is not about 'life.' It's about control over women and our bodies %u2014 but should this be allowed to happen?
Should Abortion be Legal?
Abortion is a contentious issue in American society. Although it is currently legal, many still think that it should be a criminal offense, arguing that killing a fetus is the same as murder. Others believe that women should have the right to choose abortion if they want.
Abortion is a contentious issue in American society. Although it is currently legal, many still think that it should be a criminal offense, arguing that killing a fetus is the same as murder. Others believe that women should have the right to choose abortion if they want.
Should States Protect Access to Abortion?
A provision in a federal spending bill requires states to exempt health care providers and insurers from any state laws that would force them to provide abortions, make abortion referrals, or pay for abortions. States that don't comply lose federal funding for education, labor, health care, and more. Is this justified?
A provision in a federal spending bill requires states to exempt health care providers and insurers from any state laws that would force them to provide abortions, make abortion referrals, or pay for abortions. States that don't comply lose federal funding for education, labor, health care, and more. Is this justified?
Can Switching Off a Gene Turn an Embryo Into a Weed?
A recent proposal to solve the stem-cell debate would have scientists turn off a key gene or two for developing embryos. Religious conservatives would on longer consider them "human." They would just be "weeds." Does this sound like a good idea?
A recent proposal to solve the stem-cell debate would have scientists turn off a key gene or two for developing embryos. Religious conservatives would on longer consider them "human." They would just be "weeds." Does this sound like a good idea?
Should Doctors Be Punished For Helping Torture?
Medical personnel are often responsible for assisting directly in torture because of their specialized knowledge of human biology and even more often responsible for fixing victims up afterward for more sessions later. This seems to have happened in Abu Ghraib and elsewhere. What should be done?
Medical personnel are often responsible for assisting directly in torture because of their specialized knowledge of human biology and even more often responsible for fixing victims up afterward for more sessions later. This seems to have happened in Abu Ghraib and elsewhere. What should be done?
Should Prisoners Receive Organ Transplants?
As the prison population in America grows in numbers and increases in age, questions and debates about the allocation of medical resources to prisoners will grow in urgency. One issue which arises every so often is whether convicted felons, especially those who are awaiting capital punishment, should receive the same level of medical care as others in society - including scarce donor organs.
As the prison population in America grows in numbers and increases in age, questions and debates about the allocation of medical resources to prisoners will grow in urgency. One issue which arises every so often is whether convicted felons, especially those who are awaiting capital punishment, should receive the same level of medical care as others in society - including scarce donor organs.
Should Animals Be Cloned for Human Medicines?
As genetic engineering advances, scientists hope to alter animals that create medicines for use in humans. Ultimately this could mean the faster and cheaper production of better medicines. Is that a good enough reason to tamper with animals' genetic codes? Are the dangers worth the risk?
As genetic engineering advances, scientists hope to alter animals that create medicines for use in humans. Ultimately this could mean the faster and cheaper production of better medicines. Is that a good enough reason to tamper with animals' genetic codes? Are the dangers worth the risk?
Do People Have a Right to Use Contraception?
Contraception has been a constitutional right for some time, but it is also be debated more than ever. Many object it to but others insist that they have a right to privacy which includes the ability to use contraception. Is this true?
Contraception has been a constitutional right for some time, but it is also be debated more than ever. Many object it to but others insist that they have a right to privacy which includes the ability to use contraception. Is this true?
Would You Buy A Genetically Modified Pet?
Genetic engineering gets more powerful every year - but the applications aren't limited to medicine and agriculture. We will also be able to create genetically modified pets like fish that glow in the dark or cats that don't cause allergic reactions. Is this frivolous, unethical, or justified?
Genetic engineering gets more powerful every year - but the applications aren't limited to medicine and agriculture. We will also be able to create genetically modified pets like fish that glow in the dark or cats that don't cause allergic reactions. Is this frivolous, unethical, or justified?
Is There a Right to Privacy That Includes Abortion?
In America the legalization of abortion was based in large part upon the premise that people have a right to privacy that includes a right to control their own bodies and reproduction. Is this a valid argument to make?
In America the legalization of abortion was based in large part upon the premise that people have a right to privacy that includes a right to control their own bodies and reproduction. Is this a valid argument to make?
Should Doctors Get Gifts from Drug Companies?
Most people have gotten a doctor's prescription at some point in their lives - the question is, to what degree can you trust that your doctor writes a prescription based only on your best interests as a patient? Many doctors receive perks and gifts from drug companies. Is this unethical?
Most people have gotten a doctor's prescription at some point in their lives - the question is, to what degree can you trust that your doctor writes a prescription based only on your best interests as a patient? Many doctors receive perks and gifts from drug companies. Is this unethical?
Should Doctors Refuse to Treat Malpractice Lawyers?
A lot of doctors are concerned about rising insurance premiums and they would like to see limits on the amounts that can be awarded in malpractice lawsuits. As a consequence, some doctors would like to refuse to treat malpractice lawyers and politicians who agree with them. Is that fair or does it violate basic medical ethics?
A lot of doctors are concerned about rising insurance premiums and they would like to see limits on the amounts that can be awarded in malpractice lawsuits. As a consequence, some doctors would like to refuse to treat malpractice lawyers and politicians who agree with them. Is that fair or does it violate basic medical ethics?
What Do You Think of Artificial Wombs?
Some day medical science create artificial wombs. This would allow us to grow a fetus outside of the mother's body, either directly from fertilization or even perhaps after fertilization and after the fetus has spent some time in a natural womb. Should we allow this to occur?
Some day medical science create artificial wombs. This would allow us to grow a fetus outside of the mother's body, either directly from fertilization or even perhaps after fertilization and after the fetus has spent some time in a natural womb. Should we allow this to occur?
Can the Government Order People Not to Have Kids?
If the government can prevent women from exercising the choice not to have children (by banning contraception and abortion), what's to stop the government from preventing women from exercising the choice to have children? Even under current conditions, some judges have tried to prevent some couples from having kids. Is this appropriate?
If the government can prevent women from exercising the choice not to have children (by banning contraception and abortion), what's to stop the government from preventing women from exercising the choice to have children? Even under current conditions, some judges have tried to prevent some couples from having kids. Is this appropriate?
What Should Happen to Pregnant Women Who Harm Their Fetus?
Not all pregnant women take the best possible care of themselves - or the fetus inside them. Some drink. Some do drugs. Some don't get the proper nutrition. All of this may be bad for them but it's even worse for their fetus - but should anything be done about them?
Not all pregnant women take the best possible care of themselves - or the fetus inside them. Some drink. Some do drugs. Some don't get the proper nutrition. All of this may be bad for them but it's even worse for their fetus - but should anything be done about them?
Should Contraceptive Information Be Kept from Kids?
The Christian Right would like to remove all reference to any sort of contraception from public school lessons and textbooks on sex education (except, perhaps, for negative references). Instead, they want sex education classes to focus on nothing but abstinence. Is this appropriate? Should students be denied information about contraception?
The Christian Right would like to remove all reference to any sort of contraception from public school lessons and textbooks on sex education (except, perhaps, for negative references). Instead, they want sex education classes to focus on nothing but abstinence. Is this appropriate? Should students be denied information about contraception?
Should the Government Quarantine People in Emergencies?
An epidemic, whether natural or caused by a biological attack by terrorists, can limited in its effects if people take sensible precautions. Too many aren't sensible, however, and thus government officials may want to institute massive quarantine programs to limit the spread of disease. Is this a reasonable restriction on liberty?
An epidemic, whether natural or caused by a biological attack by terrorists, can limited in its effects if people take sensible precautions. Too many aren't sensible, however, and thus government officials may want to institute massive quarantine programs to limit the spread of disease. Is this a reasonable restriction on liberty?
Should Animal-to-Human Organ Transplants Be Allowed?
There aren't enough donated human organs to go around to all the people who need them. Animals organs, used in xenotransplants, would eliminate the waiting list and save many lives. On the other hand, it could lead to animal diseases affecting humans. It's a risky idea.
There aren't enough donated human organs to go around to all the people who need them. Animals organs, used in xenotransplants, would eliminate the waiting list and save many lives. On the other hand, it could lead to animal diseases affecting humans. It's a risky idea.
Where Should Death be Defined?
There are three different definitions of death used in medicine: traditional heart-lung failure, whole-brain death, and higher-brain death. Which one we use affects how we treat people in hospitals, how we get organs for transplant, and even questions on abortion and stem-cell research.
There are three different definitions of death used in medicine: traditional heart-lung failure, whole-brain death, and higher-brain death. Which one we use affects how we treat people in hospitals, how we get organs for transplant, and even questions on abortion and stem-cell research.
Is a Woman's Pregnancy the Government's Business?
One of the cornerstone's of abortion rights is the idea that reproduction and reproductive decisions are none of the government's business. Some, though, would like to encroach on that - giver the government the right to know if a woman is or has been pregnant and even publicize that information. Is that right?
One of the cornerstone's of abortion rights is the idea that reproduction and reproductive decisions are none of the government's business. Some, though, would like to encroach on that - giver the government the right to know if a woman is or has been pregnant and even publicize that information. Is that right?
Can Doctors Refuse Objectionable Procedures?
Sometimes doctors are faced with medical procedures which they can perform, but which they find ethically objectionable - for example abortions or 'female genital mutilation.' Should doctors be permitted to refuse procedures like this, or would it be a violation of their ethical duties?
Sometimes doctors are faced with medical procedures which they can perform, but which they find ethically objectionable - for example abortions or 'female genital mutilation.' Should doctors be permitted to refuse procedures like this, or would it be a violation of their ethical duties?
Cloning Animals for Human Organs?
It may be technological possible (someday) to create animals better suited to provide replacement organs for humans (xenotransplants). We could, then, clone the same pig over and over in order to create replacement livers for people. Is this wise, given the possibility of diseases crossing the species barrier? Is it ethical?
It may be technological possible (someday) to create animals better suited to provide replacement organs for humans (xenotransplants). We could, then, clone the same pig over and over in order to create replacement livers for people. Is this wise, given the possibility of diseases crossing the species barrier? Is it ethical?
Quality of Life vs. Length of Life?
Modern medical technology has been able to extend life a great deal - but a longer life is not always the same as a better life. Many people are concerned that when death draws near, it will be painful, debilitating, or otherwise miserable. Some would rather die a bit sooner than face that. Would you?
Modern medical technology has been able to extend life a great deal - but a longer life is not always the same as a better life. Many people are concerned that when death draws near, it will be painful, debilitating, or otherwise miserable. Some would rather die a bit sooner than face that. Would you?
Threat Posed by Anti-Abortion Protestors
Anti-abortion protestors are a common sight at abortion clinics around the nation. Unfortunately, anti-abortion violence is also somewhat common - several doctors have been killed, in fact. Are the protestors a threat to doctors and women seeking abortions?
Anti-abortion protestors are a common sight at abortion clinics around the nation. Unfortunately, anti-abortion violence is also somewhat common - several doctors have been killed, in fact. Are the protestors a threat to doctors and women seeking abortions?
Pharmacists Refusing to Dispense Medication
Sometimes medical professionals, like pharmacists, have religious or other ethical objections to dispensing certain medications. One of the most common things refused is the 'morning after pill' that prevents pregnancies after rapes. Should they be allowed to refuse to hand such things out?
Sometimes medical professionals, like pharmacists, have religious or other ethical objections to dispensing certain medications. One of the most common things refused is the 'morning after pill' that prevents pregnancies after rapes. Should they be allowed to refuse to hand such things out?
Persistent Vegetative State: A Reason to Die?
There are some who, after an illness or an accident, end up in a 'persistent vegetative state,' with no hope of recovery. All higher cognitive functions are gone and there is no reason to think that they will come back. Would you want to continue in such a state, or would you rather die?
There are some who, after an illness or an accident, end up in a 'persistent vegetative state,' with no hope of recovery. All higher cognitive functions are gone and there is no reason to think that they will come back. Would you want to continue in such a state, or would you rather die?
Should Selling Human Organs Be Legal?
Some people think that if it were legal for people to sell their organs, or for a person's estate to tell a dead person's organs, then there would be more organs available for transplant. Others, however, say that pieces of human beings shouldn't be treated as commodities. What do you think?
Some people think that if it were legal for people to sell their organs, or for a person's estate to tell a dead person's organs, then there would be more organs available for transplant. Others, however, say that pieces of human beings shouldn't be treated as commodities. What do you think?
Taking Pills to Make You Happy
The benefits of antidepressants have been receiving more and more press coverage during recent years. If they are so great at improving a person's mood, why don't we all take them? Is there anything wrong with 'normal' people taking pills to improve mood and productivity?
The benefits of antidepressants have been receiving more and more press coverage during recent years. If they are so great at improving a person's mood, why don't we all take them? Is there anything wrong with 'normal' people taking pills to improve mood and productivity?
Drug Companies Influencing Doctors
Drug makers admit that they pay insurance companies to increase the use of their products. They admit that they give rewards to pharmacists and doctors for switching patients to their products. They admit that they provide all sorts of gifts to doctors. Can you trust that your doctor writes a prescription based only on your best interests as a patient?
Drug makers admit that they pay insurance companies to increase the use of their products. They admit that they give rewards to pharmacists and doctors for switching patients to their products. They admit that they provide all sorts of gifts to doctors. Can you trust that your doctor writes a prescription based only on your best interests as a patient?
Parents Choosing a Child's Genetic Makeup
The ability to manipulate a person's genetic code is increasing and soon parents may be able to choose their child's genetic makeup - taller, faster, smarter, more resistant to disease, etc. But should they be allowed to? Aren't their risks? Can people be trusted to make good choices?
The ability to manipulate a person's genetic code is increasing and soon parents may be able to choose their child's genetic makeup - taller, faster, smarter, more resistant to disease, etc. But should they be allowed to? Aren't their risks? Can people be trusted to make good choices?
Using Fetal Tissue for Medical Research
There is a lot of promising research that could be done using fetal tissue - stem-cell research is just one, although it is the best known. But would that simply encourage more abortions? Would it encourage an attitude of treating the fetus as more like an object - dispensable, disposable?
There is a lot of promising research that could be done using fetal tissue - stem-cell research is just one, although it is the best known. But would that simply encourage more abortions? Would it encourage an attitude of treating the fetus as more like an object - dispensable, disposable?
Genetically Modified Pets: Wave of the Future or GM Horror?
Scientists can now genetically modify our pets - the first is a zebra fish called Night Pearl that glows in the dark because of the addition of jellyfish genes. Is this a good idea? What do you think about the ability to genetically modify pets like cats, dogs, and fish? Is this the way our future is headed?
Scientists can now genetically modify our pets - the first is a zebra fish called Night Pearl that glows in the dark because of the addition of jellyfish genes. Is this a good idea? What do you think about the ability to genetically modify pets like cats, dogs, and fish? Is this the way our future is headed?
Should Partial-Birth Abortions Be Banned?
An important issue for the Christian Right in America is the effort to ban 'partial-birth abortions. They think that this will be easier than banning all abortions, but it's also regarded as a step towards that ultimate goal. Are they right that partial-birth abortions are like infanticide, or should they remain legal?
An important issue for the Christian Right in America is the effort to ban 'partial-birth abortions. They think that this will be easier than banning all abortions, but it's also regarded as a step towards that ultimate goal. Are they right that partial-birth abortions are like infanticide, or should they remain legal?
Should Abortion be Legal?
Abortion is a contentious issue in American society. Although it is currently legal, many still think that it should be a criminal offense, arguing that killing a fetus is the same as murder. Others believe that women should have the right to choose abortion if they want.
Abortion is a contentious issue in American society. Although it is currently legal, many still think that it should be a criminal offense, arguing that killing a fetus is the same as murder. Others believe that women should have the right to choose abortion if they want.
What Does Genetics Say About Who You Are?
Everyone seems to feel the need for some way to identify themselves in a complex world; the problem is, it's not clear just what 'identity' should entail. Is it more about who you are as a person, right now, or is more about 'what' you are, in the sense of your heritage and cultural background?
Everyone seems to feel the need for some way to identify themselves in a complex world; the problem is, it's not clear just what 'identity' should entail. Is it more about who you are as a person, right now, or is more about 'what' you are, in the sense of your heritage and cultural background?
Where Should Death be Defined?
There are three different definitions of death used in medicine: traditional heart-lung failure, whole-brain death, and higher-brain death. Which one we use affects how we treat people in hospitals, how we get organs for transplant, and even questions on abortion and stem-cell research.
There are three different definitions of death used in medicine: traditional heart-lung failure, whole-brain death, and higher-brain death. Which one we use affects how we treat people in hospitals, how we get organs for transplant, and even questions on abortion and stem-cell research.
Should Human Cloning be Banned?
The prospect of scientists being able to clone human beings increases every year. More and more basic research is done and the chances that someone will successfully do it grow. Many fear this, arguing that it would dehumanize us. What do you think about cloning human beings?
The prospect of scientists being able to clone human beings increases every year. More and more basic research is done and the chances that someone will successfully do it grow. Many fear this, arguing that it would dehumanize us. What do you think about cloning human beings?
Should Research into Human Cloning be Banned?
Many people would like to see human cloning be researched because even if no human cloning every occurs, the research might provide a lot of information that would help medical science. Others, though, think that is a path we shouldn't go down at all no matter what the reason. How do you feel?
Many people would like to see human cloning be researched because even if no human cloning every occurs, the research might provide a lot of information that would help medical science. Others, though, think that is a path we shouldn't go down at all no matter what the reason. How do you feel?
Medical Research with Human Embryo Stem Cells
Some researchers argue that the use of human stem cells take from embryos could lead to incredible advances in medical science - for example, cures for diseases like Parkinson's or even some types of cancer. Others say that it would be immoral because it requires killing embryos. What do you think?
Some researchers argue that the use of human stem cells take from embryos could lead to incredible advances in medical science - for example, cures for diseases like Parkinson's or even some types of cancer. Others say that it would be immoral because it requires killing embryos. What do you think?
Should Faith Healing be Allowed on Children?
There are a lot of people out there who sincerely believe in the power of faith to treat wounds and cure disease - even to the point where they dismiss the use of proven, scientific medicine. Perhaps they have the right to do so for themselves, but what out children? Should their lives be put at risk for religion?
There are a lot of people out there who sincerely believe in the power of faith to treat wounds and cure disease - even to the point where they dismiss the use of proven, scientific medicine. Perhaps they have the right to do so for themselves, but what out children? Should their lives be put at risk for religion?
Whom Would You Be Willing to Clone?
Cloning technology is still being developed, and it may be that we'll never successfully be able to clone an adult human being. Then again, maybe we will - and if we can do it, then we should ask some questions about whether we should and in what cases we would actually clone someone.
Cloning technology is still being developed, and it may be that we'll never successfully be able to clone an adult human being. Then again, maybe we will - and if we can do it, then we should ask some questions about whether we should and in what cases we would actually clone someone.