Ethical Issues

Seminar 8

Stem Cells

Cells that have the ability to renew themselves

Replicate exact copies indefinitely

Adult

Embryonic

Questions

Should stem cell research be federally funded?

Why or why not?

Questions

Should stem cell research be federally funded?

Why or why not?

What are your thoughts on stem cell research?

Do you feel it is a good thing or bad thing?

Questions

Do the potential benefits of the research outweigh the fact that they are using human fetuses?

Questions

Do the potential benefits of the research outweigh the fact that they are using human fetuses?

Do you feel parents of aborted fetuses should have a say in whether the remains are used for embryonic stem cell research?

Questions

Should parents of the aborted fetuses have to sign a waiver giving permission for the remains to be used for embryonic stem cell research?

Ethics Committee

Case 1

Mary is 28 years old and has cerebral palsy. She is able to get around somewhat in her motorized wheelchair. An aide feeds and bathes her and helps clean the apartment. Lately Mary has become weary with her life. She sees no improvement in her condition and wants to die. She is on pain medication and has recently asked for several months worth of pain medication. Her doctor is concerned that Mary might be suicidal.

Case 1

Should Mary’s doctor continue giving her the pain medication?

Case 1

Should Mary’s doctor continue giving her the pain medication?

Would the doctor be assisting in Mary’s suicide if he continued providing her pain medication and she overdoses?

Case 1

Should Mary’s doctor continue giving her the pain medication?

Would the doctor be assisting in Mary’s suicide if he continued providing her pain medication and she overdoses?

Does Mary have a right to end her life if she chooses?

Case 2

A mother is taking her son to the pediatrician because he is complaining of flu symptoms. During the exam the doctor notices some very distinct bruises covering the child’s back. When asked, the mother explains that they are from “cao gio” or coining. This alternative practice is to make all of the bad blood leave the body and improve circulation and healing. The pediatrician debates whether or not to report the mother for child abuse.

Case 2

Are alternative therapies and treatments ethical?

Case 2

Are alternative therapies and treatments ethical?

When should a physician or medical provider step in to stop a cultural practice?

Case 2

Are alternative therapies and treatments ethical?

When should a physician or medical provider step in to stop a cultural practice?

Do you think the physician should report the mother to CPS?

Case 3

Stacy is a 22-year-old single woman. She goes to the pharmacy to have a prescription for a “morning after” pill filled. While waiting for her prescription, she is informed that the pharmacist will not fill the prescription because of his moral views and beliefs. Stacy is furious and demands that her prescription be filled, since it is her right and her body.

Case 3

Should the pharmacist fill Stacy’s prescription? Why or why not?

Case 3

Should the pharmacist fill Stacy’s prescription? Why or why not?

Is it right for the pharmacist to impose he own values and beliefs in Stacy and other patients? Why or why not?

Questions