Bioethike

In my second week studying the philosophical and theological ethics of death, I argue from the other side: a utilitarian approach to organ harvesting coupled with a strong emphasis on personal autonomy rights. “Smith” and “Jones” are my classmates, although they are, of course, not named “Smith” or “Jones.” Enjoy, but keep in mind this [...]

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Absent Autonomy: CTCR Ethical Recommendations Regarding the Beginning of Human Life Robert C. Baker For partial credit toward MHE 604 Section 01 Social and Cultural Contexts of Health Care – Summer I 2010 Word Count: 1,935 Abstract: The Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) aids that church body [...]

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Some talking points for my health care ethics class at Creighton this week: In week four, I contrasted Wallwork (2008) and Speer’s (2008) differing approaches to community involvement in research. In order to accommodate community insights, foster inclusiveness, and facilitate power-sharing, I suggested that community-research partnerships (CRPs) as highlighted by Wallwork would be “a far [...]

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Beyond the Letter: Adhering to the Spirit of Ethical Principles in Human Research Robert C. Baker In partial fulfillment of MHE 602 Section 01 Research Ethics Spring I, 2010 The recent 7.0-in-magnitude earthquake affecting Haiti is tragic on many levels.  Combined with relentless local poverty, a decrepit infrastructure, poorly-constructed housing, and a weak central government [...]

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BioEdge notes that “bioethicist” has become a dirty word for some Americans. Now, apparently, atheist bioethicists are starting to flex a bit more muscle: They recently published an article in the Guardian’s “Comment is free” blog, under the headline, “Stand up, stand up, against Jesus”. They reject accommodationist atheism which cozies up to religious people [...]

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Here’s my latest discussion piece as part of my master’s program at Creighton University: Roe v. Wade, U.S. 113 (1973) Like Griswold, Roe v. Wade marks a departure from an objective jurisprudence concerning a proper textual interpretation of the U.S. Constitution to a more subjective reading. And, like Griswold, history has revealed that issues regarding [...]

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As part of my course work at Creighton University, here’s my contribution to last week’s discussion on the landmark Supreme Court case establishing a “right to privacy” and legalizing contraception nationwide. Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 459 (1965) Hindsight is 20-20. The forty-plus years after Griswold have validated the concerns expressed by social and religious [...]

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As part of my masters program in health care ethics at Creighton University, my class was asked to present brief remarks to a hypothetical congressional committee regarding one aspect of health care in view of vulnerable populations. Here’s my stab at it: Madam Chair, members of the Committee, my name is Robert C. Baker. I [...]

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My week four submission to Creighton University: A state which is not governed according to justice would be just a bunch of thieves. Augustine, De Civitate Dei Strip away acrimonious speech, political grandstanding, and the now infamous August “town maul” meetings and what do you have? Health care. At least a national debate about health [...]

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Another brief paper submitted as part of my first health care ethics class at Creighton University: Robert C. Baker MH 601 September 18, 2009 A mother hands each of her two children a cookie. One cookie is larger than the other. Silly mother! Unequal distribution of valuable and scarce resources occurs all across the globe. [...]

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