Devan and Tyler explore the Willowbrook State School, that stands as a stark symbol of the dark chapters in the history of medical ethics and public health. Willowbrook gained infamy for its association with highly controversial medical experiments conducted on children with intellectual disabilities during the mid-20th century. Led by Dr. Saul Krugman, the Willowbrook studies became emblematic of ethical questions about the treatment of vulnerable populations and the boundaries of medical...

Dax Cowart was severely injured in an explosion in the 1970s. Despite his injuries, he expressed a strong and consistent desire not to want medical treatment for his injuries an to be allowed to die. In this episode, Tyler and Devan explore the landmark bioethics care of Dax Cowart and its importance to current questions about medical decision-making, capacity to refuse medical treatment, and disability. Links to Sources and other Interesting Stuff: “Dax Cowert, Who Suffered for Patient...

In this episode, Devan and Tyler discuss the separation surgery of conjoined twins, Mary and Jodie

In this episode, Devan and Tyler discuss the case of Ashley X. Ashley’s parents and medical team proposed a treatment plan to attenuate Ashley’s growth that drew both praise and criticism from bioethicists.

Tyler and Devan walk through the infamous US Supreme Court Case of Buck v Bell (1927) in this episode. Buck v Bell has a dark legacy that includes forced sterilization, eugenics, disability, and violence against women.

In this episode, Devan and Tyler discuss the life and afterlife of Henrietta Lacks. Her cells were taken without her consent and used in tens of thousands of research experiments. We discuss what has and hasn’t changed in research ethics.

We delve into the case of historical context and legal significance of the Tarasoff case

Devan presents the fascinating and controversial case of 'Baby M' that captivated the world in the late 1980s. This landmark gestational surrogacy case raises complex questions about reproductive technology, parental rights, and who is a parent. DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR NEW MERCHANDISE SITE WHERE YOU CAN GET ALL THE BIOETHICS FOR THE PEOPLE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

In this episode, Darian teaches Devan and Tyler all about eating your own placenta.

Tyler and Devan discuss the life and death of Terri Schiavo

In this mini-sode, Tyler and Devan discuss the dueling court rulings about the drug Mifepristone and the recent decision by the 5th circuit regarding its status

In this mini-sode Tyler and Devan discuss prolonged emergency department stays for patients coming in for mental health care.

In this mini-sode, Devan and Tyler discuss palliative terminal sedation. What is it, who can get it, and what are the rules around it?

In this mini-sode, Tyler and Devan discuss the Biden administration's proposal to break up UNOS' monopoly on organs for transplantation.

In this mini-sode, Tyler and Devan discuss a recent court case where a judge partially relied on a 19th century law that treated humans as property in order to rule on whether an embryo should be considered property.

In this mini-sode Tyler and Devan discuss match day; the day when medical students if and where they will be spending their residency years.

In this mini-sode Tyler and Devan discuss whether it is ethical to turn off a pacemaker that is keep a patient alive.

In this mini-sode Devan and Tyler discuss whether it is ethical to provide vasectomies to 18-year-old men

In this mini-sode Devan and Tyler discuss a proposed bill that would reduce prisoners' sentences if they donate organs or bone marrow. What could go wrong?

In this episode Tyler and Devan talk with ChatGPT about bioethics and whether it wants to take our jobs.

Season 4 is over, but Tyler and Devan and here to wrap things up. What was most memorable? What lessons did we learn?

In this episode Devan talks about a case of a man whose family is making disturbing choices and it's not clear they are even the correct decision makers.

Dr. Birgitta Sujdak Mackiewicz shares a haunting clinical ethics consultation case that raises issues about advance care planning, the preferences of a patient and surrogate decision-makers, and religious commitments. Every patient brings with them a complex set of interests, wishes, values, and commitments. How should healthcare decisions be made when these all come into conflict? ...