Bi-weekly Round up: 4th May 2021
As we bear witness to the ongoing devastation caused by Covid-19 worldwide, more ethical considerations and discussions are coming to the fore. For this bi-weekly round up, here are four must-read news and journal articles discussing ethical topics related to Covid-19.
1. Vaccine Nationalism: Balancing National Interests and Global Needs
An article discussing the difficult task of balancing competing interests in relation to vaccinations. Extremely relevant given the current Covid-19 situation.
2. ‘Following the science’- making public health decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic
Another intriguing analysis of the commonly used phrase in relation to public health decision-making and the value that should be placed upon medical ethics.
Article by Thana Cristina de Campos-Rudinsky and Eduardo Undurraga.
3. Vaccine ethics: an ethical framework for global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines
A timely and well written article analysing the principles which should guide the global allocation and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.
4. Gender dysphoria in adolescents: can adolescents or parents give valid consent to puberty blockers?
For those with IME membership (Sign up here).
An original research article dissecting the ethical minefield of consent pertaining to provision of ‘puberty blocker’ treatment for minors. This exploraive piece considers the claim that gender diverse minors and their families should not be able to consent to hormonal treatment for gender dysphoria. A fantastic read.
5. People should have the option of general anaesthetic in end of life care.
Do you agree? Is this a humane consideration?
Another fantastic article by Dominic Wilkinson and Julian Savulescu
Further analysis here: