Where is the line between therapy and improvement? Can medical therapies be used to enhance cognitive functions in healthy individuals? What are the risks and ethical aspects?In the latest document from the series "Smer comments" the subject of neuroenhancement is discussed.
The 12:th World Congress of Bioethics took place in Mexico City the 24-27 of June. During the congress a wide variety of topics related to current and future challenges within bioethics were covered. The Swedish National Council on Medical Ethics was represented in the program.
New project on ethical aspects on robots and surveillance in the health care of the elderly
The Swedish National Council on Medical Ethics met in Kalmar, Sweden, the 22-23 of May 2014, for its yearly two-day meeting, to discuss current ethical matters and issues and to meet representatives from the Kalmar County Council. Among other things, the Council started up a new project concerning ethical aspects on robots and surveillance in the health care of the elderly.
In this document the Swedish National Council on Medical Ethics rejects commerce with non-fertilized eggs, kidneys and commercial surrogacy arrangements. The Council discusses the essential ethical issues that the international, and sometimes illegal, commerce raises. In the document it is also discussed what principles that should be guiding the compensation given to egg donors and when compensation turns into illegal trafficking of organs.
Reality TV shows in hospitals – an ethical problem
Commercial filming in healthcare settings is becoming more common. In a debate-article on March 18 2014 the Swedish National Medical Ethics council urge county councils and hospital managements not to write contracts with TV companies when the agreement might violate patient integrity and privacy.
New project – shaken baby syndrome
The Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment starts up a new projcet about "Shaken baby syndrome" in collaboration with the Swedish National Council on medical ethics.