Online research in philosophy

Abstract Chemical castration laws, such as one recently adopted in the U.S. State of Louisiana, raise challenging ethical concerns for physicians. Even if such interventions were to prove efficacious, which is far from certain, they would still raise troubling concerns regarding the degree of medical risk that may be imposed upon prisoners in the name of public safety as well as the appropriate role for physicians and other health care professionals in the administration of pharmaceuticals to competent prisoners over the (...) inmates’ unequivocal objections. This paper argues that the concerns raised by chemical castration are grave enough that, until they are adequately addressed by policymakers, physicians ought not to participate in the process. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Research Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9341-z Authors Jacob M. Appel, 140 Claremont Ave #3D, New York, NY 10027, USA Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

The Match: Complete Strangers, A Miracle Face Transplant, Two Lives Transformed Content Type Journal Article Category Book Review Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9338-7 Authors Katrina A. Bramstedt, PO Box 1620, Sausalito, CA 94966, USA Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529.

Mandatory Reporting: Watch Your (Legal) Language Content Type Journal Article Category Case Studies Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9344-9 Authors Kerry John Breen, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 57-83 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Victoria, 3006 Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529.

Abstract This article develops a model of informed consent for fresh oöcyte donation for stem cell research, during in vitro fertilisation (IVF), by building on the importance of patients’ embodied experience. Informed consent typically focuses on the disclosure of material information. Yet this approach does not incorporate the embodied knowledge that patients acquire through lived experience. Drawing on interview data from 35 patients and health professionals in an IVF clinic in Australia, our study demonstrates the uncertainty of IVF treatment, and (...) the tendency for patients to overestimate their chances of success prior to the experience of treatment. Once in active treatment, however, patients identify their oöcytes as both precious and precarious. We argue that it is necessary to formally include embodied experience as a source of knowledge in informed consent procedures, both for gratuitous donation and for egg-sharing regimes. We recommend that at least one full cycle of IVF be completed before approaching women to divert eggs away from their own fertility treatment. Content Type Journal Article Category Symposium Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9349-4 Authors Katherine Carroll, Centre for Health Communication, University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia Catherine Waldby, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Ethical Challenges in End-of-Life Care for GLBTI Individuals Content Type Journal Article Category Case Studies Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9345-8 Authors Colleen Cartwright, ASLaRC Aged Services Unit, Southern Cross University, Brett St., Tweed Heads, NSW 2485, Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529.

Abstract We use the format of a hypothetical case study to review issues related to pharmaceutical product approval and physician prescribing practices. In this case, a new FDA-approved drug is recommended for a patient who subsequently experiences an adverse event that may or may not be related to the prescription. This case raises a number of ethical and legal considerations physicians routinely face when deciding whether to recommend such drugs for their patients. Despite the need for ongoing observation by the (...) regulatory apparatus, physicians should be cognizant of the limitations of the drug approval system and the post-approval prescription drug surveillance system. We discuss physicians’ ethical obligations when faced with a newly approved drug, including seeking out independent sources of learning, reporting adverse effects, and notifying patients about limitations in available knowledge about therapeutic recommendations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Research Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9342-y Authors Lindsay W. Cole, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Jennifer C. Kesselheim, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA Aaron S. Kesselheim, Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Abstract Autism, typically described as a spectrum neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in verbal ability and social reciprocity as well as obsessive or repetitious behaviours, is currently thought to markedly affect more males than females. Not surprisingly, this encourages a gendered understanding of the Autism Spectrum. Simon Baron-Cohen, a prominent authority in the field of autism research, characterizes the male brain type as biased toward systemizing. In contrast, the female brain type is understood to be biased toward empathizing. Since persons (...) with autism are characterized as hyper-systemizers and hypo-empathizers, Baron-Cohen suggests that, whether they are male or female, most possess an “extreme male brain profile.” We argue that Baron-Cohen is misled by an unpersuasive gendering of certain capacities or aptitudes in the human population. Moreover, we suggest that this may inadvertently favour boys in diagnosing children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. If this is correct, it could also have rather serious consequences for treatment and services for girls (and women) on the Autism Spectrum. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Research Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9350-y Authors Timothy M. Krahn, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 1379 Seymour Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3M6, Canada Andrew Fenton, Department of Philosophy, California State University, Fresno, 2380 East Keats Avenue, M/S MB105, Fresno, CA 93740-8024, USA Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Overhauling America’s Healthcare Machine: Stop the Bleeding and Save Trillions Content Type Journal Article Category Book Review Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9339-6 Authors Richard D. Lamm, University of Denver, Denver, USA Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529.

Abstract As rational adults, we are free to elect what is (or is not) done to our bodies. However, this strong freedom does not extend to the borders of life. Control over the uses of our biological material is constrained and uncertain at law. Our article examines the legal condition of embryos and organs: how law conceptualises them and regulates their uses. Content Type Journal Article Category Symposium Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9348-5 Authors Ngaire Naffine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia (...) Bernadette Richards, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Abstract Umbilical cord blood banking is one of many biomedical innovations that confront pregnant women with new choices about what they should do to secure their own and their child’s best interests. Many mothers can now choose to donate their baby’s umbilical cord blood (UCB) to a public cord blood bank or pay to store it in a private cord blood bank. Donation to a public bank is widely regarded as an altruistic act of civic responsibility. Paying to store UCB (...) may be regarded as a “unique opportunity” to provide “insurance” for the child’s future. This paper reports findings from a survey of Australian women that investigated the decision to either donate or store UCB. We conclude that mothers are faced with competing discourses that force them to choose between being a “good mother” and fulfilling their role as a “good citizen.” We discuss this finding with reference to the concept of value pluralism. Content Type Journal Article Category Symposium Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9343-x Authors Maree Porter, Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine (VELiM), Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Level 1, Medical Foundation Building, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, 2006 Australia Ian H. Kerridge, Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine (VELiM), Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Level 1, Medical Foundation Building, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, 2006 Australia Christopher F. C. Jordens, Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine (VELiM), Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Level 1, Medical Foundation Building, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, 2006 Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Eggsploitation Content Type Journal Article Category Film Review Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9337-8 Authors Leigh E. Rich, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, USA Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529.

Rethinking the Body and Its Boundaries Content Type Journal Article Category Editorial Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9353-8 Authors Leigh E. Rich, Department of Health Sciences (Public Health), Armstrong Atlantic State University, 11935 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419, USA Michael A. Ashby, Palliative Care and Persistent Pain Services, Royal Hobart, Hospital, Southern Tasmania Area Health Service, and School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, 1st Floor, Peacock Building, Repatriation Centre, 90 Davey Street, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia Pierre-Olivier Méthot, ESRC (...) Centre for Genomics in Society (Egenis), University of Exeter, Byrne House, St German’s Road, Exeter, EX4 4PJ UK Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Abstract This paper is based on linked qualitative studies of the donation of human embryos to stem cell research carried out in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and China. All three studies used semi-structured interview protocols to allow an in-depth examination of donors’ and non-donors’ rationales for their donation decisions, with the aim of gaining information on contextual and other factors that play a role in donor decisions and identifying how these relate to factors that are more usually included in evaluations (...) made by theoretical ethics. Our findings have implications for one factor that has previously been suggested as being of ethical concern: the role of gratitude. Our empirical work shows no evidence that interpersonal gratitude is an important factor, but it does support the existence of a solidarity-based desire to “give something back” to medical research. Thus, we use empirical data to expand and refine the conceptual basis of bioethically theorizing the IVF–stem cell interface. Content Type Journal Article Category Symposium Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9352-9 Authors Jackie Leach Scully, Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Research Centre, Newcastle University, Claremont Bridge, Claremont Road, Newcastle, NE1 7RU UK Erica Haimes, Policy, Ethics and Life Sciences Research Centre, Newcastle University, Claremont Bridge, Claremont Road, Newcastle, NE1 7RU UK Anika Mitzkat, Institute for History, Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany Rouven Porz, Ethics Unit, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland Christoph Rehmann-Sutter, Institute for the History of Medicine and Science Studies, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Abstract Are embryos deserving of moral consideration in our actions? A standard view suggests that embryos are considerable only if they have interests. One argument for embryonic interests contends that embryos are harmed by death because they are deprived of valuable future lives as adult persons. Some have challenged this argument on the grounds that embryos aren’t identical to adults: either due to the potential for embryos to twin or because we do not exist until the fetus develops consciousness. These (...) arguments fail to show that embryos do not have future adult lives. There is a better reason to think that embryos cannot have interests; namely, because they are not capable of having desires. Others have held this view but have not sufficiently justified it. The justification lies in the fact that the capacity for desires is necessary to make sense of the normativity of interests. Content Type Journal Article Category Symposium Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9336-9 Authors Aaron Simmons, Department of Philosophy, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401, USA Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Sale of Sperm, Health Records, Minimally Conscious States, and Duties of Candour Content Type Journal Article Category Recent Developments Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9347-6 Authors Cameron Stewart, Centre for Health Governance, Law and Ethics, Sydney Law School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia 2006 Bernadette Richards, Law School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia 5005 Richard Huxtable, Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TH UK Bill Madden, School of Law, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia Tina (...) Cockburn, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Turning a Blind Eye Is Unreasonable, Unprofessional, and Unethical Content Type Journal Article Category Case Studies Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9340-0 Authors Anthony G. Tuckett, The University of Queensland / Blue Care Research and Practice Development Centre, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529.

Multidisciplinary Perspectives on the Donation of Stem Cells and Reproductive Tissue Content Type Journal Article Category Symposium Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9351-x Authors Catherine Waldby, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia Ian Kerridge, Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, Medical Foundation Building (K25), University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia Loane Skene, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Studies, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VA, Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry (...) Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)

Abstract Australia has one of the harshest regimes for the processing of asylum seekers, people who have applied for refugee status but are still awaiting an answer. It has received sharp rebuke for its policies from international human rights bodies but continues to exercise its resolve to protect its borders from those seeking protection. One means of doing so is the detention of asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat. Health care providers who care for asylum seekers in these (...) conditions experience a conflict of “dual loyalty,” whereby their role in preserving and maintaining the health of patients can run counter to their employment in detention facilities. Many psychiatrists who have worked in the detention setting engage in forms of political activism in order to change the process of seeking refuge. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Research Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11673-011-9346-7 Authors Deborah Zion, International Public Health Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Linda Briskman, Centre for Human Rights Education, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia Bebe Loff, Michael Kirby Centre for Health and Human Rights, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Journal Journal of Bioethical Inquiry Online ISSN 1872-4353 Print ISSN 1176-7529. (shrink)