Category: Bioethics

For decades, the family of Henrietta Lacks received no compensation for her cells, which were taken without consent in 1951 and led to billions in profits for biotech companies. A confidential settlement in 2023 was a landmark step toward justice for the family, addressing the central question: **did Henrietta Lacks' family get paid?**.

According to the American Academy of Neurology, proper application of brain death guidelines has not resulted in recovery of brain function. Yet, the question, 'Why is brain death controversial?', continues to persist, stirring intense medical, legal, and ethical debates that affect patients and families alike. This guide explores the complexities surrounding this critical medical diagnosis.

According to research published in the *Journal of Medical Ethics*, a structured approach is crucial for navigating complex patient care decisions. Known as the Four-Quadrant Approach, this systematic framework provides healthcare professionals with a powerful tool to resolve dilemmas by analyzing all relevant aspects of a case. So, what are the 4 quadrants of medical ethics?

Globally, hundreds of thousands of people are on transplant waiting lists, underscoring the critical need for alternatives. Artificial organs represent a major frontier in medicine, yet understanding **what are the limitations of artificial organs?** is crucial for evaluating their real-world application and potential.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the ethical framework for involving human subjects in research and medical care is built on a few core principles. These fundamental tenets guide practitioners in upholding ethical standards and protecting patient rights. But **what two principles justify informed consent** and form the backbone of this critical process?

After just four to six minutes without a constant supply of oxygen, human brain cells begin to die, leading to irreversible damage. This fundamental biological dependency reveals precisely why the question, **Is it possible for a brain to live without a body?**, remains firmly in the realm of science fiction.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2296), organ donation after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged. This position clarifies the answer to the question: **Does the Catholic Church allow organ donors?**

Every day, over 20 people die in the US alone while waiting for an organ transplant due to the critical shortage of donated organs. Despite this urgent need, there are strict medical, legal, and ethical reasons for the rigorous protocols that govern donation. This process is the core reason why is it that organs cannot be taken arbitrarily from anyone.

First outlined in the Belmont Report, a key document in bioethics, beneficence is a core ethical principle that requires individuals to take positive actions to protect and promote the welfare of others. It underpins ethical practice across many fields, guiding actions towards maximizing benefits and minimizing harm.