ASU Tribal Research (PP9)

Beginning in 1990, Arizona State University began a study using DNA from the Havasupai Tribe in Arizona. Read the articles at the links below. Discuss the importance of informed consent in human subjects research.

Indian tribe wins fight to limit research of its DNA
From the New York Times (04/22/2010)

Havasupai case highlights risks of DNA research
From the New York Times (04/23/2010)

Informed consent and the ethics of DNA research
From the New York Times (04/23/2010)

Due October 26, 2012

Political Affiliation (PP8)

More election related discussions. Take the following two quizzes:
Pew Political Party Quiz and the GoTo Political Party Quiz

Post and discuss your results.

Due October 11, 2012

Civic Engagement (PP7)

It's election "season". Since so many science and health issues are being discussed by the candidates, we'll look at US politics and civic responsibility.  Take the Civic Engagement Quiz developed by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and post your score. Discuss your results with the class.

Due October 8, 2012

Animal Rights (PP6)

View the video clip and read the essay linked below. Then answer the following questions. Do animals have rights? Why or why not?

Tom Regan, PhD
Philosopher, North Carolina State University

The Case for Animal Rights

Essay - The Case for Animal Rights
by Tom Regan

Due October 5, 2012

Forced Sterilization (PP5)

Read the informational pieces below and discuss the issue of reproductive control including ethical considerations of mandatory sterilization policies.

Due October 1, 2012

Uzbek women allege forced sterilization - Salon (07/19/2010)
Social origins of eugenics - Paul Lombardo, UVA

The Right to Refuse Care (PP4)

Is it ethical for parents to refuse potentially life-saving medical treatment for their minor children? Consider the recent cases of Daniel Hauser and Madeline (Kara) Neumann in your response.

In the case of Daniel Hauser, his parents refused chemotherapy to treat his cancer (Hodgkins Lymphoma). In the case of Madeline (Kara) Neumann, her parents withheld insulin and chose to treat her Type I Diabetes with prayer.

Background info on both cases is below.

Due September 21, 2012

Daniel Hauser:
Science Blogs (Respectful Insolence) 05/12/2009
Science Blogs (Pharyngula) 05/15/2009
Fox News 05/19/2009
NY Daily News 05/19/2009
USA Today 05/21/2009
KSTP 05/26/2009
CNN 05/26/2009
MPR 05/27/2009
Star Tribune 05/29/2009
MPR 06/23/2009

Madeline (Kara) Neumann:
FoxNews 03/26/2008
CBC News 03/28/2008
Journal Sentinel 04/29/2008
WTMJ 05/15/2009
Religion News Blog 05/20/2009
WTMJ 06/15/2009
Court Filings - Courtesy of WTMJ
AZ Central 07/27/2009
MSNBC 08/01/2009
BBC 08/02/2009
Pharyngula Blog 08/02/2009
BBC 10/07/2009

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?

Due September 14, 2012.