US workers could be forced to disclose genetic information to employers
No discounts on health insurance unless they surrender their right to genetic privacy A 2008 US law, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) guaranteed Americans the...
When stem cell treatments go wrong, they really go wrong
A stem cell 'trial' in Florida blinds three elderly women Three elderly women in Florida have been blinded by an unproven treatment, as a reminder...
Costa Rica’s resistance to legal IVF crumbles
First child born in local clinicRonald Reyes/The Tico Times A girl named Maria José has become the first IVF baby to be born...
New bill may give employers a mandate solicit genetic information
A new bill may allow US companies to ‘fine’ employees for failing to provide genetic information. A controversial new bill to debated by US Congress...
Almost 450 Quebec patients were euthanised last year
Requests for euthanasia doubled in Quebec in the second half of 2016. New data released on assisted dying in Quebec indicates that requests for euthanasia...
Anti-vaxxing: childcare and healthcare sanctions in Australia
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wants unvaccinated children banned from day care. The vaccination debate has intensified in Australia, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull urging lawmakers...
Over 800 medical personnel killed in Syrian war
A new report published in The Lancet presents a grim picture of humanitarian abuses in Syria. A new report published in The Lancet presents a...
When is illness ‘terminal’?
A State Senator in Hawaii, Breene Harimoto gave an emotional address this week to persuade his colleagues to vote against a bill for legalising physician-assisted...
UK report on prenatal testing calls for ban on sex disclosure
But supports warning parents over Down syndrome A new report by the UK's Nuffield Council on Bioethics, “Non-invasive prenatal testing: ethical issues”, has probably pleased...
Will curing the deaf lead to ‘cultural genocide’?
If deafness disappears, who will speak their language? It is estimated that half of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages are in danger of disappearing. Under...
IVF world market to reach US$12 billion
Market is expanding to Asia and Africa The world market for IVF and IVF products will grow from US$8.4 billion this year to $12.5 billion...
Taiwan grapples with the public health ethics of discouraging betel nut
A bad habit with a huge health cost Betel nut, a mild stimulant often used by truck drivers, fishermen, and construction workers, stains the teeth...