Minimally conscious British woman must be allowed to live, says judge
A British woman in a “minimally conscious state” should not have her feeding tube removed so that she can die, a judge has ruled in...
Interested in a survey on race?
“Race” is a hardy concept, but does it have any social or scientific validity? Throughout 2011, the Progress Educational Trust in the UK has been...
Bahraini doctors jailed for treating protesters
Most news about military medical ethics involves doctors who harm patients. But in Bahrain 20 Shi’ite doctors and nurses have been jailed for up to...
British sperm donor fathers 17 families: incest fears
A British sperm donor has fathered 17 families, raising fears that his offspring could unwittingly have an incestuous relationship.A British sperm donor has fathered 17...
Divorcee can use ex’s embryos: Argentina ruling
A judicial ruling in Argentina said last week that a woman can use frozen embryos fertilised with her ex-husband’s sperm to get pregnant again. A...
South African apartheid doctor fights deregistration
South African cardiologist Wooter Basson has beaten various attempts to convict him of crimes committed under the former apartheid regime, particularly running its secret germ...
Surrogates often deeply upset by the process: study
While the key players in surrogacy – surrogates – generally receive little attention or scientific study, new research suggests that the process is often deeply...
IVF linked to genetic disorders
A geneticist at the University of Toronto has called for more research on the link between IVF and rare genetic disorders.A geneticist at the University...
When faith puts life at risk
At least 10 child deaths per year in the United States result from faith-based medical neglect, an article in American Medical News claims. Some parents...
Nitschke makes headlines again
Dr Philip Nitschke, founder of euthanasia group Exit International, made headlines yet again this week when he announced that he will import the suicide drug...
Elder abuse epidemic looming, says MacArthur “genius” fellow
A MacArthur genius fellowship awarded to an elder abuse activist highlights the difficulties of ensuring high quality end of life care. Marie-Therese Connolly, 54, a...
Interview: John D. Arras on the Guatemala syphilis study
The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues recently released the results of its investigation into syphilis studies conducted in Guatemala in the 1940s...