April Archive

“Human dignity”: more action in the trenches

Michael Cook | 20 April 2012

A bioethicist at Weill Cornell Medical College has fired another salvo in the battle of human dignity. Writing in the May issue of the journal Bioethics, she dissects earlier arguments and finds them wanting.

Should surrogacy become a profession and not just another job?

Michael Cook | 20 April 2012

Two New Zealand bioethicists have suggested that surrogacy should be treated as a dignified profession, not just contract work.

Another heroic figure in the reproduction revolution

20 April 2012

UK launches inquiry into donor conception

Michael Cook | 20 April 2012

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, in the UK, is conducting an inquiry into how much information people need to know about their genetic origins.

Mickey Rooney highlights the danger of elder abuse

20 April 2012

Mickey Rooney features in a documentary about the dangers of elder abuse.

Canadian bioethicist asks, why have children?

Michael Cook | 20 April 2012

Is it good to have children? Most people would think so, but there is a range of views amongst utilitarian bioethicists. The latest contribution to this debate comes from a Canadian feminist philosopher, Christine Overall. She published a book in February which is currently making a splash in bioethics circles, “Why Have Children?”

Are IVF clinics hiding the risks of PGD from parents?

Michael Cook | 14 April 2012

American couples who have pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) done on their embryos are almost never informed of the potential risks of the procedure, a Wellesley College biologist claims in the Journal of Medical Ethics. Without this vital information, says Michelle Lafonte, parents are not capable of giving informed consent.

94 embryos perish in Rome hospital in refrigeration mishap

Michael Cook | 14 April 2012

The Italian government is investigating an IVF clinic in Rome after 94 embryos, 130 eggs and 5 sperm samples were destroyed when its refrigeration system failed. About 40 couples were affected.

Parents can have a duty to use IVF, say bioethicists

Michael Cook | 13 April 2012

Yet another controversial utilitarian proposal has popped up in the March issue of the American Journal of Bioethics. Two bioethicists contend that some parents are morally obligated to use pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to create a healthy baby.

British doctor may have fathered more than 600 children

Michael Cook | 13 April 2012

A British doctor may have fathered more than 600 children by using his own sperm in his London fertility clinic. Toronto film-maker Barry Stevens has researched records of women treated by Dr Bertold Wiesner, and found that two-thirds of offspring conceived through the clinic were his children. Estimates of how many children he fathered range from 200 to 1,000.

“Octomom” regrets her IVF pregnancy

Michael Cook | 13 April 2012

Octomom, the California single mother who gave birth to octuplets, has had to resort to humiliating ways of making ends meet for her 14 children – all conceived through IVF. Nadya Suleman, who still features in the media three years after she became a household word, has revealed to NBC that she made a big mistake.

Dementia could become a fiscal nightmare, says WHO

Michael Cook | 13 April 2012

The World Health Organization says that dementia could be an even greater challenge than HIV/AIDS in the 21st century. A report released this week by WHO and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) calls upon governments, policymakers and other stakeholders to make it a global public health priority.

Cosmetic surgery at its best

Michael Cook | 13 April 2012

"Saving Face" is a documentary about the tragic cases of Pakistani who have been disfigured by acid attacks. It follows London-based Pakistani plastic surgeon, Dr. Mohammad Jawad, as he tries to help two women. It won the 84th Academy Awards for Best Documentary (Short Subject). It looks terrific.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the movies…

Michael Cook | 09 April 2012

Another film about sperm donors? Yup, 'fraid so. Somehow Hollywood seems to be tapping into a fertile (sorry) source of stories here. Think about it: fatherhood, motherhood, reconciliation, sex and technology. This genre presses every button except mindless mayhem.

How voluntary is “voluntary”?

Michael Cook | 08 April 2012

Can patients be pressured into agreeing to "voluntary" euthanasia? An Australian academic says Yes.

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