Genetic Tests for UK Asylum Seekers Draw Criticism
(Associated Press) Britain is using genetic tests on some African asylum seekers in an effort to catch those who are lying about their nationality, drawing criticism from scientists and provoking outrage from rights groups.
On the Avoidance of Death in Life
(Washington Post) Kass even opposes living wills because "it's preposterous to think that we can have the kind of foreknowledge to cover the myriad circumstances in which we may find ourselves. Nor can you accurately pass judgment on how you're going to feel about your life in a different circumstance...No kind of legal approach and no kind of medical approach are going to take the place of a loving, prudent caregiver on the spot." What if you don't have a loving, prudent caregiver on the spot? Do you want your fate to be determined by peope who may not share your values? I certainly trust my imperfect judgment, based on more than 60 years of living and on what I have learned from the deaths of those I loved, more than I do anyone else's judgment.
Flu Shots for Workers Hit Sticking Point
(USA Today) Efforts to require flu shots for health workers in order to protect vulnerable patients are being abandoned by some major health systems because of legal challenges and vaccine shortages.
Healthcare provision seeks to embrace prayer treatments
(Los Angeles Times) A little-noticed measure would put Christian Science healing sessions on the same footing as clinical medicine. Critics say it violates the separation of church and state.
Doctor: I Was Fired for Fighting Hospital’s Ties to Medtronic
(Wall Street Journal Health Blog) Medical device companies like Medtronic have been under fire lately for their megabucks deals with doctors who can influence purchases of medical products. So what happens to doctors who complain about these types of relationships? Those who, in effect, are whistleblowers?
