All posts by Stephen Drake

Sad news – writer/speaker/lawyer/activist Harriet McBryde Johnson has passed away

activism, advocacy, goodbyes, media issues, Our News & Commentary Blog, Peter Singer, schiavo

This morning, several emails alerted us to the death of Harriet McBryde Johnson. Harriet, whose voice, work and words touched people all over the world, passed away last night. Details are unknown – and to me, anyway – unimportant. What is important is that Harriet lived a life devoted to the pursuit of social justice … Continue reading Sad news – writer/speaker/lawyer/activist Harriet McBryde Johnson has passed away →

New “futile care” promotion includes attack on ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act, bioethics, futile care, lifeboat ethics, medical decisionmaking, Our News & Commentary Blog

I found an “interesting” article from the Kalamazoo Gazette, thanks to Bobby Schindler, who is doing some guest blogging for Wesley Smith while Wesley is on vacation. Bobby has his own valuable insights on the article, but I wanted to write about a couple of things that jumped right out at me. The article is … Continue reading New “futile care” promotion includes attack on ADA →

Shoving us off the lifeboat in a pandemic

bioethics, lifeboat ethics, Our News & Commentary Blog, policy

This alarming bit of “lifeboat ethics” public policy has reached my email through several sources: Who should doctors let die in a pandemic? CHICAGO – Doctors know some patients needing lifesaving care won’t get it in a flu pandemic or other disaster. The gut-wrenching dilemma will be deciding who to let die. Now, an influential … Continue reading Shoving us off the lifeboat in a pandemic →

Disability Panelists Explain Opposition to Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide at Washington State University Event

activism, advocacy, assisted suicide, media coverage, Our News & Commentary Blog, Washington state

Last night (April 23), three disability experts/activists/advocates addressed an audience of several hundred people at Washington State University (from the April 23 WSU Release): PULLMAN, Wash.—A panel of disability experts will discuss the issues around legalizing euthanasia during “Euthanasia: A Disability Perspective” 7-9 p.m. April 23 in Todd 116 in the Washington State University campus. … Continue reading Disability Panelists Explain Opposition to Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide at Washington State University Event →

New Research on Nurses Who Kill Repeatedly: They’re Serial Killers, Not Agents of Mercy

media coverage, medical killings, Our News & Commentary Blog, research, serial killers

Coincidentally, I tripped across a news report from PM – a program of Australian public broadcasting. The report aired April 21st and consists of an interview with John Field, who has completed a study about nurses who kill patients: PM – Study investigates serial killer nurses PM – Monday, 21 April , 2008 18:36:00 Reporter: … Continue reading New Research on Nurses Who Kill Repeatedly: They’re Serial Killers, Not Agents of Mercy →