Yes, doctors’ fees should be transparent, but that requirement alone doesn’t go far enough to combat “bill shock”. Specialists should also be required to set fees that are “fair and reasonable”.
We now have the capacity to quickly and cheaply sequence an individual’s genome and scour it for disease-causing genes. But how much, and what type, of information does a parent-to-be want to know?
Australian scientist David Goodall photographed in Basel, Switzerland, on May 8, 2018 ended his life in with assisted suicide.
(AP Photo/Jamey Keaten)
Recent stories in the media highlight the idea of suicide tourism to Switzerland. But what does that mean? How is the Swiss view of assisted dying different from the Canadian one?
Hackers exploited a weakness in the web-based booking system of Family Planning NSW to infect the system with ransomware.
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Medical practices have special requirements under the Privacy Act, but the security and privacy systems some providers currently have in place may be inadequate.
It all begins with spitting in a tube like this one.
Scott Beale/Laughing Squid
More people are sending off saliva samples to find out about their genetic roots. But the raw DNA results go way beyond genealogical data – and could deliver unintended consequences.
A review into pharmacy practices last year recommended pharmacies stop selling ineffective remedies such as homeopathy. The government didn’t support the recommendation.
Healthcare professionals should have their freedom of conscience protected by law.
Grey’s Anatomy’s portrayal of trauma experiences is far more dramatic than in real life.
IMDb/Shondaland, The Mark Gordon Company, Touchstone Television (2005-2007), ABC Studios
A new study compared fictional patient experiences in Grey’s Anatomy with real trauma cases. It concluded patients who are fans of the show might have unrealistic expectations of medical care.
Victoria’s model is pretty conservative compared to other jurisdictions that have legalised euthanasia or assisted dying.
from shutterstock.com
The Victorian assisted dying laws are based on those in Oregon, which are quite conservative. Laws in the Netherlands, Belgium and Canada are more relaxed.
Health professionals often have to navigate an ethical minefield working in offshore detention facilities. The current crisis in Manus island provides a case in point.
Medical data from space tourists will be fascinating, but is it ethical?
Rick Guidice/NASA
Space terrorism and testing of space tourists are theoretical problems today. But let’s have conversations right now to make sure they don’t become real problems in the future.
In most Australian states, if you have certain STIs, you have a legal responsibility to notify your potential sexual partners.
from shutterstock.com
NSW has changed its laws imposing criminal penalties on someone with an STI who doesn’t take “reasonable precautions” to not infect their sexual partner.
With all these ‘test-tube babies’ grown up, how have our reactions to the technology evolved?
AP Photo/Alastair Grant
Americans have moved on from worrying about ‘test-tube babies’ – but there are still ethical challenges to resolve as reproductive technologies continue to advance.
A controversial book about Nelson Mandela’s last years has been withdrawn.
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The contentious book documenting Nelson Mandela’s last days that was pulled of the shelves left many unanswered questions. Judgement must be suspended until it’s content is made public.
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
Paediatrician at the Royal Childrens Hospital and Associate Professor and Clinician Scientist, University of Melbourne and MCRI, Murdoch Children's Research Institute