Category Archives: bioethics

Disability Health Disparities Based on Negative Quality of Life Judgments Must Be Challenged

While national disability organizations work hard to influence the federal budget debates, painful Medicaid cuts are already being considered and implemented at the state level across the country. Getting disability advocates and issues to the table is a major challenge. The Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York just … Continue reading Disability Health Disparities Based on Negative Quality of Life Judgments Must Be Challenged

Miracles, recovery and “rush-to-judgment” revisited

Last weekend, Thaddeus Pope posted a followup to an earlier item shared and discussed on his Medical Futility Blog. Let’s take it in order.  Back in March of this year, Pope originally shared the news about the unexpected recovery of Kimberly McNeill of New Zealand, an 18-year-old who suffered severe injuries in a car crash … Continue reading Miracles, recovery and “rush-to-judgment” revisited

American Medical News – “Kevorkian leaves mixed legacy” (NDY Quoted)

Since I was interviewed for this article in American Medical News, I was actively looking for its appearance online this morning.  The interview with the reporter lasted almost 45 minutes and covered a lot of ground, most of which didn’t get included in this relatively short article.  It is an attempt to explore the “legacy” … Continue reading American Medical News – “Kevorkian leaves mixed legacy” (NDY Quoted)

Texas: Supporters of Texas “Futile Care” Law Continue to Maintain the Status Quo, Preventing Change

On Sunday (May 8, 2011), the Austin American-Statesman published an update of sorts on the continuing stalemate over the Texas “futile care statute,” which translates as a “win” for supporters of the status quo. It’s a fascinating article – for many reasons.  But perhaps the most fascinating are the many contradictions contained in the article … Continue reading Texas: Supporters of Texas “Futile Care” Law Continue to Maintain the Status Quo, Preventing Change

Ireland: “They asked me why I would want to live” in Irish Times

It’s hard to believe it’s been about a month since I’ve written here.  Various health issues have kept me away from the keyboard, although I’ve been monitoring news and other information sources.  I just haven’t had the energy to write.  I’ll be doing my best to catch up over the next few weeks – there … Continue reading Ireland: “They asked me why I would want to live” in Irish Times