Protection of Conscience Project Library
Service, not Servitude
Extract
Not only is the article by David Reardon and associates1 flawed . . . but the authors, particularly the lead author, have a specific and known political bias against abortion rights. . . By publishing an article that does not adhere to high standards, we feel that CMAJ has done a disservice to our field, not to mention women and their families across the nation.
Capperauld L. (Correspondence) Abortion perils debated. Can Med Assoc J. 2003 Jul 22;169(2):101.
Abstract
. . . an emphasis on oversight and compliance misses the point. By overly focusing on making sure that rules are followed, we push researchers away from a real appreciation for issues and into doing whatever it takes to expedite the oversight process. This approach can cause researchers to quickly lose sight of the point of research protections – the rights and interests of the subjects themselves.
Kahn JP. Moving From Compliance to Conscience: Why We Can and Should Improve on the Ethics of Clinical Research. Arch Intern Med. 2001 Apr 09;161(7) 925-928.
Abstract
Though the Nuremberg medical trial was a United States military tribunal, British forensic pathologists supplied extensive evidence for the trial. The BMJ had a correspondent at the trial, and he endorsed a utilitarian legitimation of clinical experiments, justifying the medical research carried out under Nazism as of long term scientific benefit despite the human costs. The British supported an international medical commission to evaluate the ethics and scientific quality of German research. Medical opinions differed over whether German medical atrocities should be given publicity or treated in confidence. The BMJ’s correspondent warned against medical researchers being taken over by a totalitarian state, and these arguments were used to oppose the NHS and any state control over medical research.
Weindling P. Human guinea pigs and the ethics of experimentation: the BMJ’s correspondent at the Nuremberg medical trial. Br Med J. 1996 Dec 07;313(7070):1467-1470.
Extract
Of course methotrexate is contraindicated for a wanted pregnancy: it causes abortion in approximately 95% of pregnancies of less than 7 weeks’ gestation. This is why we are using it as an abortifacient. . . . if abortion failed in a women given methotrexate and she refused to undergo surgical abortion, there would be a risk to the fetus. From the experience with RU 486 in Europe we know that women rarely change their minds about abortion in such cases.
Wiebe ER. (Correspondence) Methotrexate and misoprostol used in abortions. Can Med Assoc J. 1994;151(5):518.
Extract
Medically induced abortion rather than surgical abortion has many advantages and could improve access to abortion in Canada . . . In December 1993 I received permission from the University of British Columbia Ethics Committee to start a pilot study of abortion induced with methotrexate and misoprostol; the study is under way. I would like to hear from other physicians who may be interested in this method.
Wiebe ER. (Correspondence) Methotrexate and misoprostol used in abortions. Can Med Assoc J. 1994 May 01;150(9):1381-1382.
Extract
Canada’s first research project involving the transplantation of tissue from aborted fetuses into patients with Parkinson’s disease is an issue entirely separate from abortion, the researchers say. However . . . The fetal transplant procedure creates enormous ethical dilemmas for many. Critics state that any use of abortion-related material is wrong because abortion itself is wrong. Some also charge that fetal transplantation will inevitably lead to the “harvesting” of fetuses and make some women “fetus factories”. . . .However, supporters of fetal transplantation state that abortion is an entirely separate issue . . . “We’re simply using the products of women, who have chosen abortion, for research purposes”, said Kathy Coffin of the Canadian Abortion Rights Action League. . . .
Jones D. Hospital’s decision to pursue fetal transplantation upsets antiabortionists. Can Med Assoc J. 1990 Jun 01;142(11):1277.