http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/ Latest publications from Christian Medical Fellowship en-gb webmaster@cmf.org.uk (CMF Webmaster) 60 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25772 In the rapidly expanding world of surrogacy births, stories abound of disputes over determining paternity, questioning maternity, exploited mothers and stateless children. A quick Google search on the internet reveals baby-selling packages, business deals and as much help as would-be parents need to choose their donor gametes and for surrogate mothers to achieve their dreams of parenthood. This File considers some of the issues generated by 21st century surrogacy from a Christian perspective.... Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25772 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25745 Audrey is unconscious following a stroke. Her doctors have said there is little chance of her recovering and she is unable to communicate with her family. She has lost many of her critical faculties, so to what extent does her life still have value? Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25745 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25710 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25710 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25627 By Alex Bunn and David Randall Religion is for 'the hesitant, the guilt-ridden, the excessively timid, those lacking clear convictions with which to face life', (1) said a standard British textbook of psychiatry until 1969. The implication is clear: faith selects the weak and is probably bad for your health. Sigmund Freud went so far as to call it a neurosis. (2) Some have argued that religious faith has no role in modern medical care and that doctors should be forbidden from discussing... Wed, 6 Apr 2011 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25627 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25588 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25588 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25587 Although only a minority of doctors will be actively involved in research, all doctors will feel its impact. The implications of research findings are also often the subject of popular discussion. It is therefore important that we all understand the assumptions, methods and challenges of research. For Christians, there is the added challenge of developing a biblical understanding of the utility and limitations of research. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25587 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25539 The evidence for climate change is irrefutable and it is more than 90% certain that most of the warming is due to the observed increase in man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Global warming has serious consequences for health; most are negative, but some are positive because actions that are good for curbing climate change are also good for health. Christians have a special mandate to care. Suggestions are made for tackling the causes and the effects of climate change. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25539 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25415 Mon, 4 Jan 2010 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25415 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25406 Conscientious objection as a right is enshrined in law and in professional guidelines, but has recently come under attack. These arguments are described, but the concept of the conscience goes to the heart of what it means to act in a moral way, with integrity. There have been shocking historical examples of medical abuses after conscience has failed. The right helps preserve individuals' moral integrity, preserves the reputation of the profession, safeguards against coercive state power, and... Fri, 4 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=25406 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=2229 The concept of the family is an important one that cuts across many common bioethical issues. In most developed countries 'the family' is perceived to be under threat, due to such factors as divorce, increasing mobility within society, and legal changes affecting marriage. However, family is significant as the view we take of it impacts many common bioethical questions, while conversely developments in bioethics may impact families. Thu, 9 Apr 2009 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=2229 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=2184 CMF File 4 on Adolescent Sexuality came out in 1998. Since then, sexual behaviour in that age group has continued to change, the law has changed in one respect, and there have been some relevant medical advances. This File is therefore an update, and continues to argue that God's plan for human sexual expression is the best way. Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=2184 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=2079 Organs for transplantation may come from deceased or living donors, and the treatment both saves and enhances life. However, there is a lack of donor organs and the waiting list is increasing. This shortfall adds to the clinical, legal and ethical challenges. This File considers the diagnosis of death, presumed consent or 'opting-out', and payment for organs, and recommends we should all consider what we wish to happen to our organs and tissues after our death. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=2079 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1985 Abortion is now more common than ever in the UK and parliamentary review of abortion legislation is imminent. There has been much new evidence recently about serious physical and psychiatric consequences for women. This evidence base needs to be considered in the context of contemplating changes to the law, and should be incorporated into updated guidance for health professionals and into comprehensive counselling for women. Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1985 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1939 In biotechnology it is now possible to combine elements between organisms of different species. It is also possible to create cloned animals using parts of eggs from one species and nuclear genetic material from another. It is even possible to create novel organisms via interspecies combinations of gametes. Should such procedures ever be permissible between animal species? If so, should we ever combine human beings with animals? Fri, 1 Jun 2007 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1939 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1804 The population of human beings is increasing. In 2000 there were 6 billion, by 2006 this had risen to 6.5 billion and, unless death-rates rise catastrophically, the United Nations predicts that by 2050 this figure will have risen to 9 billion. Is this an outworking of God's command to go into all parts of the world and multiply, or is it a reflection of a 'fallen' world in which humanity keeps living beyond God-given guidelines and boundaries? Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1804 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1793 No sane person enjoys suffering. It limits our capabilities and is often accompanied by physical pain or emotional distress. The Bible gives a rich insight into the variety of causes of, and responses to, suffering, but also declares that only God knows the answers to many of our questions about why particular individuals suffer. Sat, 1 Apr 2006 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1793 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1717 Previously the domain of science fiction authors, the integration of technological aids into the human body is becoming a reality. Transhumanists claim that this will develop so far that we create cyborgs, beings that are part human – part machine. They believe that we face a future where humans will have to radically improve their performance if they are going to stay ahead of these new beings. The thinking around transhumanism forces us to ask questions about the human species. Tue, 3 Jan 2006 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1717 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1702 In the last few decades the term 'Quality of Life' (QoL) has slipped into medical decision-making, and at first sight it seems to make sense. A more careful assessment, however, shows that some of the thinking behind the term is flawed, and that the way it is sometimes used runs potentially counter to Christian philosophy. Sat, 1 Oct 2005 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1702 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1610 The patient's 'right to choose' is a cliché for an idea that is growing in medicine, and is the driving force behind many of the major issues in bioethics today. But is autonomy out of balance, with individuals exercising their rights as absolutes and paying less and less consideration to their personal responsibilities and the common good? How has medicine arrived at the position where the right to choose is paramount, and what should a Christian response be? Fri, 1 Apr 2005 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1610 http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1317 Giving up something to help a fellow human being is a noble action. Donating blood or bone marrow are classic examples of this sort of altruism. However, a new avenue of debate has opened now that techniques of assisted reproduction allow doctors to select an embryo that will have the potential of growing into an ideal tissue donor for an existing person. Is this process turning people into commodities, or is it a wise use of medical technology? Sat, 1 Jan 2005 13:00:00 GMT http://www.cmf.org.uk/publications/content.asp?context=article&id=1317