Bioethics Paper, Fundamentals of Biology

-Use at least three different references
-List the references you use on a separate page (encyclopedias do not count as references)
-Factual information within the text of the paper should be directly referenced using a parenthesis that indicates which sources contains that information
-Length of paper: three pages, double spaced, typed, not including the references. Be concise. Going over the page limit by more than 1/4 page will result in a penalty.
-There is a list of ten topics. Choose the one you are most interested in to research and write about. Please, only choose one topic.
-Do not cut and paste from other sources. Use quotation marks to quote directly from other work. Plagiarizing papers or statements will result in a ‘0’ for the work.

Format of paper: Description of the issue (background and introduction), points (pros), counterpoints (cons), conclusion, references cited

Topics for the bioethics paper:
1. If an individual has been in a coma for ten years, and medical experts have concluded that the person has virtually no chance of recovery, is it morally acceptable for a physician or healthcare worker to perform euthanasia or other life-terminating procedures if his/her closest family member so requests?
2. Embryonic stem cells (ESC’s) are said to hold the potential to treat and cure many disorders like diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. What are embryonic stem cells and what is their therapeutic potential? Where do we get them from? Not too long ago scientists managed to produce stem cells from adult cells, called induced pluripotent cells (iPSC’s). How are these less controversial than ESC’s? What are some of the drawbacks they have? Overall, what is the potential and what are the risks of stem cell research?
3. Outsourcing is a highly charged issue in globalization economy. What is not generally known is that most of the human clinical trials before a drug is approved are conducted offshore in poor third-world countries where stringent regulations protecting human subjects are lacking and the cost is low. Is it morally or economically justifiable for pharmaceutical companies to continue this practice to keep the drug cost down?
4. You frequently see this ad on college newspapers: “Exceptional women needed for confidential egg donation to an infertile couple”. The compensation is about $5000-$10000, plus all expenses paid. Should this be allowed and if so, what type of regulation, if any, should be imposed on this kind of transaction to protect the donor?
5. By genetic engineering, scientists have produced transgenic pigs rich in omega-3 fatty acids; the kind of good fat that benefits the heart and cardiovascular system. Given that cardiovascular diseases are the #1 killer in this country, should genetically modified (GM) foods such as this one be approved for public consumption by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)?
6. South Dakota passed a law (it has since been repealed) that criminalized all abortions except when life of the mother is endangered. What were the arguments made to pass the law? What were the potential downsides had this law not been repealed?
7. The film “An Inconvenient Truth” documents the evidence of recent trends, potential consequences, and possible solutions of global warming. In your own words, describe the evidence for and against global warming trends, and then describe the environmental and biological impact, and what you individually should or should not do about this phenomenon.
8. A couple, who both have achondroplasia (drawfism), and inherited form of short stature, desire a child with short stature as well. They informed the genetic counselor that they would abort a fetus destined to grow to normal height. If you were the counselor, how would you advise the parents about the pros and cons so they will be fully informed before they reach their decision?
9. In 2006 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally allowed individuals 18 years or older to purchase the “emergency contraception” (or Plan B) without a physician’s prescription, but only in pharmacies. In 2009 girls 17 years or older were allowed to access the drug without a prescription and more recently, in 2013, the drug was made freely accessible over the counter to anyone. What were the reasons Plan B was made increasingly more available to younger women? What are some of the concerns about making this drug available to very young women? If you were the FDA administrator, would you allow even younger girls to access the drug without a prescription?
10. A new vaccine against cervical cancer, which is caused by a common sexually transmitter virus, human papilloma virus (HPV), has been made publicly available. This virus is estimated to kill about 288,000 women worldwide each year. The LA unified school district plans to make this vaccine available to middle and elementary school girls, yet some parents are not so sure this is a good idea. If you were the Mayor Garcetti, what would you do? What are the advantages of making the vaccine available? What are some of the concerns?