bioethics

select three questions from the following nine
Please answer three of the following nine question sets. There is a
six-page limit for the entire examination (single-spaced). 
1. Is embryonic stem cell research moral? Is it necessary for
advances in medical treatment? Present both sides of the discussion using
the discussion in the Australian Parliament, the speeches by Bush and
DeGette, and the essay by Harris. Then defend your own position. Should
we be concerned if other countries conduct this research and we don't? Is
there any common ground for potential agreement on lines of research? What
do you think will happen to open or close embryonic stem cell research in
the next decade?
2. Do we own our body parts and bodily fluids? Do we own our own
genes? In your view, should we have a property right that is alienable?
How does this discussion affect issues of autonomy and public interest in
the abortion debate? A complete answer would integrate the Moore v.
Regents case and discuss property rights issues in gene patenting and organ
donation, both before and after death.
3. Would the survival lottery eliminate the organ shortage in the
United States? What are the arguments for the survival lottery? What are
the arguments against it? Should our country adopt a survival lottery? If
not, what alternatives do you suggest that would be as effective?
4. Why are the following important issues in clinical trials: full
disclosure, consent, and prohibitions against conflict of interest? Give
examples to illustrate the ethical dilemmas that arise for each issue?
Briefly summarize the NIH and Helsinki Declaration protections for human
subjects in clinical trials. Should the NIH restrictions of human subject
research be extended to all clinical trials in the United States? Should
they be extended to all U.S. funded trials abroad? Why or why not? In
your view, what can we do to make human subject research more ethical?
5. Should the pharmaceutical industry be run as a business or a
service? Should it be concerned with issues of equity in access to
pharmaceutical products, cost-cutting for patients in developing countries,
development of orphan drugs for small numbers of beneficiaries, or removal
of patent exclusivity for products desperately needed? In your view, what
can be done to make the pharmaceutical industry more profitable? More
socially and medically responsible?
6. Should the distribution of health resources be equitable?
Summarize Menzel and Harris. Explore the guidelines presented in the
handouts (Hippocratic Oath, Helsinki Declaration, etc.) to see if there is
any guidance about distribution of resource. Then justify equitable
distribution of resources or offer up an alternative way of determining who
should get what. Set out your view in a rule (such as “justice equals
fairness”). Justify your position.
7. Is there a difference between active and passive assisted suicide?
Summarize Rachels and Nesbit. Make sure to have a thorough presentation
of their examples. Can you draw a bright blue line between active and
passive actions? Using Kuhse, Hill, and Admiral, please explain your
position on assisted suicide. Justify your views.
8. What is the importance of patient confidentiality? Summarize the
relevant portion of the Hippocratic Oath and the ruling in the Tarasoff
case. Under what circumstances, if any, should it be broken? Please give
examples to support your views? Veatch thinks we should abandon the notion
of informed consent. What is his view? Is he correct?
9. What are the expectations of truth-telling in medicine? Should
health care personnel always tell the truth? What is Collins' position?
How is truth telling related to outcomes? In your view, under what
conditions, if any, should they lie?