Bi-Weekly Round Up: 8th November 2021
Another look at topical ethical issues that have arisen over the last few weeks for you to catch up on. Enjoy!
1. Use of X-rays and DNA methylation analysis by medical professionals to ascertain the true age of an individual seeking asylum. Ethical?
Is it ever ethical to utilise medical procedures or investigations for the sole purpose of catching out dishonest individuals, particularly when there is not an intended health benefit? Does it matter if these individuals are misrepresenting their age in order to seek asylum? Should medicine be used as a tool to assist with immigration matters?
Thoughts?
2. The child’s best interest in gamete donation
A relational view based on care ethics discussing the best interests of the child, born via gamete donation.
3. Ethics of vaccine refusal
Michael Kowalik eloquently arguing that there is neither a moral obligation to vaccinate nor a sound ethical basis to mandate vaccination under any circumstances. Worth a read considering the move to mandatory vaccination within particular industries.
And finally, one for those with IME membership (Sign up here).
Worth getting membership to have a read of this article amongst others!
4. Why the term ‘persistent therapy’ is not worse than the term ‘medical futility’
Article within The Journal of Medical Ethics discussing the use of the two terms when considering end of life care. Is language important in this context? Does it change perception and practice or is it just semantics?