Bioethics.net

A controversial new Arizona law that took effect July 1 would give Torres access to the embryos. The law requires courts to give embryos to the spouse who plans to use them to have a baby when a couple decides to have a divorce. Supporters of the law say it will protect a partner’s right to his or her embryos. Opponents say it could force people to become parents against their will.

New research questions the quality of drugs given the “breakthrough therapy” designation by the US Food and Drug Administration. In late 2012, the FDA created this designation to speed the process for reviewing not-yet-approved experimental medicines intended to treat serious or life-threatening conditions.

Julie Eldred argued that requiring defendants to be drug-free as a condition for probation was cruel and unusual given her severe addiction. A Massachusetts court disagreed, but declined to rule on whether addiction is a brain disease that affects a person’s ability to comply with the requirement.

Should we or shouldn’t we be allowed to modify human DNA in future children? An inquiry into the ethical issues surrounding genetically altering a human embryo has found there is “no absolute reason not to pursue it”. But appropriate measures must be put in place before it becomes UK law, said the report – which calls for further research both medically and socially. Inquiry chair, Prof Karen Yeung, said: “The implications for society are extensive, profound and long-term.”