Addressing the ethical issues raised by synthetic human entities with embryo-like features

Addressing the ethical issues raised by synthetic human entities with embryo-like features

The "14-day rule" for embryo research stipulates that experiments with intact human embryos must not allow them to develop beyond 14 days or the appearance of the primitive streak. However, recent experiments showing that suitably cultured human pluripotent stem cells can self-organize and recapitulate embryonic features have highlighted difficulties with the 14-day rule and led to calls for it...

Addressing the ethical, legal, and social issues raised by voting by persons with dementia.

This article addresses an emerging policy problem in the United States participation in the electoral process by citizens with dementia. At present, health care professionals, family caregivers, and long-term care staff lack adequate guidance to decide whether individuals with dementia should be precluded from or assisted in casting a ballot. Voting by persons with dementia raises a series of i...

Ethical issues raised by genetically modified microorganisms

Unlike experiments carried out on humans and animals, applications involving microorganisms and their genetic modification do not cause pain and suffering as generally understood. The ethical problems raised by genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) therefore mainly related to the impact they have on the Earth's biosphere. As microorganisms can be found everywhere, including in the ecologic...

Ethical issues raised in addressing the needs of people with serious mental disorders in complex emergencies.

Recent manmade and natural disasters highlight weaknesses in the public health systems designed to protect populations from harm and minimize disruption of the social and built environments. Emergency planning and response efforts have, as a result, focused largely on ensuring populations' physical well-being during and after a disaster. Many public health authorities, including the World Healt...

Issues raised by "incidental findings" and their ethical implications.