New wrinkle in stem cell debate
Stanford researchers change cells directly The ethical debate over embryonic stem cells is looking ever more irrelevant to the science. Scientists at the Stanford University...
Consciousness still flickers in some “vegetative” patients
New study with astounding results It’s hard to tell whether it is good news or bad news, but it is exciting news. Researchers in Britain...
Is suicide a rational choice for Huntington’s disease victims?
No, says British journalist Charlotte Raven It’s not difficult for a person with a terminal disease to make an emotionally compelling case for suicide. The...
Florida woman ‘imprisoned’ in hospital to save baby
State could gain legal control over women’s health Why do bioethical dilemmas flourish in Florida? After the right-to-die case of Terri Schiavo rivetted the nation...
UK fertility regulator to allow destruction of embryos for minor defects
HFEA complains at distorted reporting The UK’s controversial fertility regulator is again in the hot seat over its decision to allow clinics to destroy embryos...
Scottish Parliament to debate assisted suicide
Even for 16-year-olds A Scottish MP has introduced a bill for assisted suicide. Margo MacDonald, a campaigner for euthanasia who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, claims...
Swiss to vote on suicide tourism “tax”
Dignitas boss shrugs it off In a twist on the old adage that you can’t escape death and taxes, the Swiss are to vote on...
Novelist calls for euthanasia booths on “every corner”
Martin Amis criticised, labelled ‘glib’ and ‘flippant’ In a interview on the weekend, British novelist Martin Amis proposed that “euthanasia booths” be placed on “every...
Parents fight to keep brain-damaged Canadian baby on ventilator
Doctors seek to remove Isaiah May A Canadian baby on a life-supporting ventilator has become the centre of the latest controversy over futile medical treatment....
Dr Gupta’s Haiti efforts raise ethical questions
Critics question celebrity physician’s motives Just over two weeks ago, CNN's celebrity doctor and one-time dandidate for surgeon-general in the Obama administration, Dr Sanjay Gupta,...
Sperm donor “crisis” in UK
British Fertility Society calls for payment for donors “Heartbreak mums facing a baby crisis over low sperm levels” was the headline in the Mirror, a...