Bioethics for the People

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.

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.