Bioethics for the People Devan Stahl and Tyler Gibb

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 research.

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 Rights, Dies at 71” The New York Times, Obituary, May 15, 2019.
Documentary: “Dax Cowart — 40 years later”

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.