Category: Procedures & Services

The Dark Side of CRISPR

Its potential ability to “fix” people at the genetic level is a threat to those who are judged by society to be biologically inferior

Scientific American

Sandy Sufian, Rosemarie Garland-Thomson

Americans have celebrated the fact that the Biden administration is embracing science and returning the country to evidence-based policymaking. We agree that science should guide policy—except in cases where it wouldn’t assist people to live their lives but would, instead, exclude them.

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, for which biochemists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, has the potential to do just that. So do other forms of scientific technologies. We should therefore always be aware of the ethical choices these technologies can pose. . . continue reading

Palliative care experts warn of ‘deeply flawed’ assisted dying Bill

‘There’s no proper oversight or scrutiny… this legislation could lead to a slippery slope’

The Irish Times

Sorcha Pollak, Jennifer O’Connell

Planned legislation before the Oireachtas which seeks to legalise assisted dying in Ireland is “deeply flawed” and leaves the population open to “significant risk”, consultants in palliative medicine have warned.

Last October, the Dáil voted to pass the Dying with Dignity Bill to committee stage by 81 to 71 votes after the three Government parties allowed a free vote on the legislation.

However, experts working in end-of-life care have expressed concern about the wording of the Bill, tabled by People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny . . .[Full text]

Right to refuse is a key issue in abortion debate

Albuquerque Journal

Dan Boyd, Dan McKay

SANTA FE – Discussions about abortion laws in New Mexico have always had moral and religious overtones.

But this year’s debate at the Roundhouse over bills to repeal a long-dormant 1969 state abortion ban has also hinged on a “conscience clause” in the abortion statute that allows health care practitioners to decide not to participate in such procedures.

Critics of the legislation, which passed the Senate last week and could move quickly through the House, say repealing the abortion ban would lead to an exodus of health care workers, especially in rural New Mexico.

But backers claim the argument is a red herring and point to other conscience protections in state and federal law that would remain in place if the abortion law is repealed. . . continue reading

‘I couldn’t believe it’ — Shock as Irish doctor says he will refuse to administer COVID-19 vaccine

Extra.ie

Aoibhin Bryant

Patients were left shocked when they learnt that their doctor is refusing to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr Gerard Waters of Whitethorn Clinic, Celbridge has called himself a ‘conscientious objector’ to the vaccine.

Speaking to Liveline, Maureen Lawler, whose friends are patients of Dr Waters, said they are all ‘shocked’.

They are now actively looking for a new GP. . . [Full text]

Irish GP refuses to administer Covid-19 vaccines as ‘conscientious objector’, does not refer patients for Covid tests

Irish Post

Rachael O’Connor

AN IRISH GP has defended himself after he said he would not administer any Covid-19 vaccine to his patients.

Kildare GP Dr. Gerard Waters of the Whitehorn Clinic in Celbridge appeared on RTÉ Radio One‘s Liveline this week following claims the doctor had stated his refusal to vaccinate patients.

Speaking on the show, Dr. Waters confirmed that he would not be administering the vaccines when the time came– and also said that he does not refer his patients for Covid-19 tests. . . [Full text]