Conscience Laws and the Rights of Individuals (PP4)

The federal government, as well as many states, have enacted "conscience" laws to protect medical professionals from being required to perform medical procedures to which they are morally opposed. 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?

Background information can be found at the links below:
EurekAlert
Az Republic - Obama to potentially overturn federal ruling
Az Republic - State conscience law
AZ Central - Recent legislation signed by Governor
AZ Central - More on recent legislation signed by Governor
Conscience Laws Org

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?

Ethical and Religious Directives - 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?

Ethical and Religious Directives - 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?

Welcome Summer PHI213 Students!

Welcome to the GateWay Community College Bioethics blog. The purpose of this blog is to share information about recent scientific advancements and their impact on medical and bioethics, and to debate classic and current ethical dilemmas. Enjoy!

Health Care Systems (PP13)

Compare and contrast the healthcare systems discussed in Frontline's Sick Around the World documentary. Explain which system has done the best job of balancing private interests and public good and why.

Global Pandemics (PP12)

What type of guidelines should the US be using to address the threat of potential global pandemics such as Swine flu? What criteria should be used to determine how limited resources will be allocated and why?