Hutton Honors College

From the Ethics of Contraceptives to the Rationing of Care in an Avian Flu Epidemic: Discussion Lunch with Biomedical Ethicist John Arras

Friday, April 4, 2008 * 12:30-2 p.m. * Harlos House, 1331 E. Tenth St. * SIGN-UP REQUIRED

An internationally recognized biomedical ethicist, John Arras has worked on issues that range from research on human subjects, to physician-assisted suicide, reproductive ethics, public health ethics, and theories of global justice and social determinants of health. His current works include the ethical implications of long-term contraceptives and the rationing of health care. He consults regularly at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); his work for the CDC focuses on vaccine policy and the ethical issues surrounding a possible global pandemic of avian flu. In addition, he is one of six members on a distinguished panel appointed by the National Institute on Allergy and Infections Disease (NIAID) to review the conduct of international AIDS trials. The author of more than 60 articles in bioethics, he is also co-editor of Ethical and Regulatory Aspects of Human Subjects Research, Ethical Issues in Modern Medicine, 6th ed., and Bringing the Hospital Home: Ethical and Social Implications of High Technology Home Care. Arras is Porterfield Professor of Biomedical Ethics, professor of philosophy, and director of the Bioethics Minor Program at the University of Virginia and a fellow at the Hastings Center. The discussion can range as widely as the interests of those attending the lunch. Arras will be on campus as the Vandivier Sims Memorial Lecturer. Please see below for information on the lectureship and the 2008 public lecture. The lunch is co-sponsored by the Wells Scholars Program.

Poynter Center for the Study of Ethics and American Institutions
Seventh Annual Matthew Vandivier Sims Memorial Lecture
"Human Rights and Bioethics: Curb Your Enthusiasm"
by John Arras, Professor of Biomedical Ethics at the University of Virginia
Thursday, April 3, 2008 * 4-5:30 p.m. * Ballantine 310 * Free and Open to Public

The Vandivier Sims Lectureship was established in 2002 to honor the memory of Matthew Vandivier Sims, who died in infancy. It is a collaboration between Matthew’s family and friends and the Poynter Center for the Study of Ethics and American Institutions. Its goal is to help inspire thoughtful reflection on the difficult issues that surround decision making about medical care.

In an age of pandemics, international drug trials, and genetic technology, health has gone global, and so must bioethics. In search of an ethical framework that transcends national boundaries, some have claimed that human rights should be the new lingua franca of bioethics. Although human rights provide a powerful framework for the defense of human dignity, Professor Arras will look at questions that remain about their application and adequacy as a framework for the new global bioethics.

Spring 2008 Programs | Extracurricular Home