AZ HB2564 - Abortion in AZ (PP5)

The state of Arizona recently passed legislation (to take effect September 30, 2009) that would further restrict abortion within the state. The legislation mandates a 24 hour waiting period, allows only physicians to perform the procedure (currently nurse practitioners can perform abortions in AZ), and allow medical professionals to refuse to participate based on moral opposition. Please read AZ HB 2564 and the articles below. Are the new changes ethical? Why or why not? As you formulate your opinion, keep in mind that in some cases there is a direct conflict between the health and/or reproductive rights of women and the religious freedom of the healthcare provider. In such instances, what criteria should be used to evaluate the rights and responsibilities of both parties, when should each prevail and why?

Arizona Legislature (June 2009) - HB2564
AZ Central (02/27/2009) - Obama moves to overturn abortion conscience rule
Arizona Republic (09/15/2009) - Two groups sue to block Arizona abortion laws

Roe v Wade (PP4)

Please read the 1973 US Supreme Court Decision in the case of Roe v Wade provided via the linked Touro College website. Discuss the following: What did the Supreme Court say about personhood, privacy, and state rights and obligations? Was the Supreme Court capricious in its decision or was the case carefully considered and the reasoning sound? Why or why not?

US Health Reform (PP3)

Watch the September 09, 2009 Presidential address to Congress regarding health care reform in the United States. What do you think are the biggest ethical issues remaining in the debate and why?

Care for the beginning of life (PP2)

Read the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Fourth Edition, Part Four - Issues in Care for the Beginning of Life. Are the directives ethical? Why or why not?

Care for the dying (PP1)

Read the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Fourth Edition, Part Five - Issues in Care for the Dying. Are the directives ethical? Why or why not?