Browse Medical Ethics Advisor Articles by Topic

Ethics of Withholding Fertility Services From Prospective Parents

Fertility programs may withhold services from prospective parents due to valid concerns that they’ll be unable to care adequately for offspring, according to an updated position statement from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.

Physicians Rely on Device Reps, but Have Ethical Concerns

Surgeons are concerned about conflicts of interest and patient safety due to the increasing presence of device representatives in operating rooms. However, the surgeons also rely on those reps, found a recent study.

Nonessential Meds, Including Vitamins, Often Continued in Dying Patients

Nonessential medications, such as vitamins, often are continued in actively dying, hospitalized patients, concluded a recent study.

Residents Reporting More Moral Distress

Trainees are reporting moral distress more frequently, according to bioethicists interviewed by Medical Ethics Advisor.

Misconceptions on Meaning of DNR Status Surprisingly Common Among Clinical Team

Clinicians sometimes assume DNR status means a preference for comfort measures only, but this is not necessarily the case.

‘Mere Presence’ of Ethicist Can Encourage Nursing Participation

At some hospitals, ethics consultations are viewed as clinical orders and can only be requested by physicians. Many nurses are eager for ethics advice, but they’re not always comfortable raising a concern on their own.

Emotional Support for Surrogates Linked to Better Decisions

Emotional support is important, and not only for surrogates’ psychological well-being: It’s also linked to the quality of their decision-making, found a recent study.

Initiative’s Goal: To Honor Seriously Ill Patients’ Wishes

The Veterans Health Administration's Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions Initiative was designed to ensure that the goals, values, and life-sustaining treatment decisions of patients with serious illness are elicited, documented, and honored.

Unique Informed Consent Challenges if Research Participant Is Incarcerated

Informed consent for research involving incarcerated people presents multiple unique ethical challenges for investigators.

‘Ethical Obligation to Go Further’ if Patients Are Nonadherent for Financial Reasons

Some patients cannot afford recommended care because of higher out-of-pocket costs due in part to a surge in high-deductible plans.