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Anscombe Statement – Another Child Denied the Right to Travel for Medical Treatment
The Centre prepared a Statement on the ethics of the case of Indi Gregory, whose life-supporting care was withdrawn despite alternative care being offered by an Italian hospital. This was written before the sad news was released of Indi’s passing in the early hours of Monday morning. Our last thoughts and our prayers are for her family, and for Indi herself. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
‘Making Babies in the Lab: The Morality of Reproductive Technologies’: Dr Mehmet Çiftçi
Here is the opening statement by our Public Bioethics Fellow, Dr Mehmet Çiftçi, in a recent debate at the Battle of Ideas Festival on ‘Making Babies in the Lab: The Morality of Reproductive Technologies’. Dr Mehmet Çiftçi’s opponents were Ann Furedi (former Chief Executive of BPAS), research scientist Dr Günes Taylor, and genetic counsellor Nicky Drury.
Press Release: 27 Years After Implementation, Anscombe Centre Raises Worrying Trends in Oregon’s Assisted Suicide System
Today marks 27 years since the implementation of Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act in 1998. In that time, as recent articles in the Journal of Medical Ethics and the British Medical Journal (paywalled; pre-print here) have highlighted, concerning trends have become apparent. Read here our Press Release summarising key concerns.
Anscombe Statement – The Tragic Death of a Young Woman and an Exercise in ‘Ethics Washing’ by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics
The Anscombe Centre’s full statement on the death last Tuesday evening (12 September 2023) of ST, a nineteen-year-old young woman, ST [Sudiksha Thirumalesh], died after a protracted dispute about her treatment and care, and the related issues of a report by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics on the causes of disagreements over the care of critically ill children (those under 16).
Showcase
A showcase selection of the work of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, from noteworthy research, events, and media presentations.
Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Guide to the Evidence
This evidence guide has been written to inform the debate about whether to legalise physician assisted suicide or euthanasia in the United Kingdom. Most of the sources cited here are also relevant to the debates on assisted suicide or euthanasia in other countries.
Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, and Suicide Rates in Europe (Journal of Ethics in Mental Health)
The Journal of Ethics in Mental Health (JEMH) published an article by the Anscombe Centre’s Director, David Albert Jones, which shows, contrary to some claims that introducing euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) would reduce suicides, that there is no evidence that this is the case, but that European data shows that in countries that have introduced voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide into law and medical practice.
The Ethics of Vaccine Passports: An Interview with Prof. David Albert Jones
As the UK gradually moves out of lockdown, the government has been considering multiple strategies for reopening. Among these is the well-known, and somewhat controversial proposal for ‘Vaccine Passports’. Plans have also been put forward to introduce ‘COVID Status Certificates.’ What would these certificates, or ‘passports’, mean for citizens? And what are some of the ethical implications of them? David Albert Jones is videoed here in conversation with Becky Short exploring these questions and more.
Research
A virtual library of essays and articles by past and present staff members of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre. Our briefing papers, offering in-depth analysis of fast-moving issues, are also available here.
A Briefing on the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) consultation, ‘Modernising the regulation of fertility treatment and research involving human embryos’
Our Briefing on the March-April 2023 HFEA consultation into the potential revision of Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.
Anscombe Centre Submission to Isle of Man Consultation on Private Member’s Bill for Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (EAS)
From 01 December 2022 to 26 January 2023, a Consultation was held on a Private Member’s Bill introduced into the House of Keys proposing to introduce euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) into Manx law and medical practice. The Consultation took place via a series of set questions, with multiple choice answers and space to give explanations of the answer. The below is the submission on behalf of the Anscombe Centre composed by our Director, Professor David Albert Jones.
Anscombe Centre Submission to Government of Jersey Consultation on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide (EAS)
From 17 October 2022 to 14 January 2023, the Government of Jersey held a consultation on proposals to introduce euthanasia and assisted suicide (EAS) into Jersey law and medical practice. The Consultation took place via a series of set questions, with multiple choice answers and space to give explanations of the answer. The below is the submission on behalf of the Anscombe Centre composed by our Education and Research Officer, Dr Chris Wojtulewicz.
Submission to House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry into ‘Assisted Dying’ (Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide)
The Anscombe Centre’s Submission to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry into ‘Assisted Dying’ (Euthanasia & Assisted Suicide). Composed by our Director, Professor David Albert Jones.
Suicide Prevention: Does Legalising Assisted Suicide Make Things Better Or Worse? (Professor David Albert Jones)
Support Us
The Anscombe Bioethics Centre is supported by the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, but has also always relied on donations from generous individuals, friends and benefactors.