The immortal cancer cells of Henrietta Lacks revolutionized the fields of science, medicine and bioethics. And they still survive today, more than 70 years after her death.
We have moved beyond burning witches and lynching wrong-doers. So we should also stop shaming unvaccinated people. There are better ways to change behaviour.
The CDC’s COVID-19 vaccine provider agreement prohibits health care professionals from administering the vaccines in people for whom they are not yet authorized or approved. But this departs from longstanding norms.
Should people be compelled to take the vaccine? Should you feel guilty for skipping the line? And what about parts of the world where vaccines aren’t readably available? Ethicists have it covered.
In most countries, scientific research that uses human embryos has to halt after the 14th day. New guidelines recommend the public’s input in extending the time period.
Offering incentives to encourage good health behavior isn’t new, but it does raise concerns. A behavioral scientist explains how rewarding those taking a shot need not keep ethicists up at night.
It’s easy to call Australian Olympians who receive their COVID shot early ‘queue jumpers’. But the argument for them having early access to the vaccine is more nuanced. Here’s why.
Am I really eligible? Isn’t there someone more worthy of getting immunized before me? A bioethicist explains that such feelings of guilt are understandable. In fact, they are good for society.
Visiting Professor in Biomedical Ethics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Distinguished Visiting Professor in Law, University of Melbourne; Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford
Professor of Bioethics & Medicine, Sydney Health Ethics, Haematologist/BMT Physician, Royal North Shore Hospital and Director, Praxis Australia, University of Sydney