Abortion in Children (PP6)

A nine year old Brazilian girl, raped by her stepfather and pregnant with twins, recently obtained an abortion. The physicians who performed the procedure have insisted that, in their medical judgment, this was necessary to save the child's future health and life. The Catholic Church has objected to the medical procedure and are moving toward excommunication of all involved in its procurement and performance. Read about the case (links below) and answer the following questions:

What are the underlying ethical concerns in this case?
If there are competing interests, whose should prevail and why?

Links:
Article from MSNBC
Commentary from Pharyngula Blog

Feel free to use other sources of information or commentary about the case as well.

Ethics and Religion (PP5)

Is religious belief NECESSARY for ethical decisions and/or behavior? Are Atheists as ethical as/more ethical/less ethical than Christians? Why or why not?

Stem Cell Research (PP4)

Is stem cell research ethical? Why or why not? Should any type of stem cell research be permitted in the US? If so, what limitations, if any, should be placed on such research? Why or why not?

Roe v Wade (PP3)

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?

Right to Die (PP2) Case Continued

The case of the Italian woman in a persistent vegetative state continues. Click here for the latest.

Right to Die (PP2)

Please read the case of an Italian woman who has spent 17 years in a vegetative state. As you read and respond to the case, please consider the following: Did the Italian courts make the right decision in ordering the feeding tube removed? Who should be able to make such life and death decisions? Are advance directives ethical and appropriate? Why or why not?

Creating Life to Save a Life (PP1)

Read the case about the Spanish stem cell baby created specifically to save his brother's life. Do you agree with the parent's decision? Why or why not? What are the significant moral considerations in this case? What consideration is decisive for you?