Curious Bioethics: July 24-30, 2023
🧊 McConnell freeze; HIV/AIDS relief at risk; The Vanishing Family; Handmaid's Tale vs. Texas
In today’s curated collection, you’ll find:
🗞️Bioethics News: Mitch McConnell freeze; HIV/AIDS relief at risk; Medicare drug negotiations
📚Recommended Reading: The Vanishing Family; No one should be called “doctor”
🦉Educational Opportunities: Handmaid’s Tale vs. Texas; Stroke awareness
Hey there, Curious Human!
You have probably noticed my weekly roundup of bioethics news, reading, and education is especially late this week. I am giving myself grace for that, because y’all I do not have it all together all the time. In my commitment to avoid email on vacation, I returned to work with a mountain tasks and messages, and I had a quick trip to Anaheim for a conference, and phew! It took it out of me.
Much as last week kept me busy, I enjoyed attending the last* American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) annual meeting in Anaheim, CA. The organization renamed itself Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) this year.
When at a chemistry conference, obviously I wore my periodic table pants from Dr. Raven Baxter’s Smarty Party Clothing Company. I love wearing these pants because all the science nerds want to know where to get a pair. If you’re looking for a gift for science lovers, check it out.
OK - on to the news - one week later than usual… ❤️
🗞️ Bioethics in the News
Mitch McConnell Suffers an Episode at the Capitol, Freezing Midsentence
The 81-year-old Senate Republican leader, who had a serious fall earlier this year, was temporarily unable to speak during a news conference, raising questions about his health and future.
McConnell suffered a severe head injury and broken rib earlier in the year. As a doctor, watching these 20 agonizing seconds made me want to call a stroke code through the computer.
Abortion fight clouds AIDS-fighting program’s future
Republicans rejected a Democratic bid to re-up PEPFAR via the annual defense policy bill.
The PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) program fights AIDS and HIV in more than 50 developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
“Not one period, not one comma should be changed,” he said. “There are few programs in the world that people can point to that are currently keeping over 20 million people alive. I’m not about to give up on that.”
-Foreign Relations Chair Bob Menendez
House Republicans confirmed this week that they will not reauthorize any of the $7.5 billion program. Initially formed by George W. Bush, the program will expire in the fall. Republicans claim PEPFAR funds programs promoting abortion access.
Drugmakers brace for list of first 10 drugs for US price negotiations
The government will soon announce the first 10 medications that will be subject to price negotiations with Medicare under a new law. Drugmakers are fighting the measure in court.
Americans pay more for prescription medications than any other country. It’s bananas, but the US has never allowed Medicare to negotiate any drug prices, no matter how expensive.
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed into law last year, finally allows Medicare to negotiate prices for some of its most costly drugs. The minimum cut on the list price would be 25%. This will hopefully save $25 billion per year on drug prices by 2031.
Numerous drug makers are suing to prevent the law from taking effect.
📚 Recommended Reading
The Vanishing Family
They all have a 50-50 chance of inheriting a cruel genetic mutation — which means disappearing into dementia in middle age. This is the story of what it’s like to live with those odds.
This is genetic, she thought.
This is inherited.
And then, finally: We all might have it.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to face life-altering genetic information, I highly recommend The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker. In a large family, the youngest child watches her mother, and then several of her adult siblings fade away into a unique form of dementia.
No one — M.D. or otherwise — should use the honorific ‘doctor’ with patients
Stephanie W. Edmonds, Alden A. Bush, and Ginny L. Ryan (with M.D., D.N.P., Ph.D., and R.N. degrees) write in STAT First Opinion that it’s time for a reality check out physicians monopolizing the honorific “doctor” and that it’s time to get rid of it altogether.
“Attempts by some physicians in modern times to restrict the honorific or call themselves “the real doctor” diminish the scholarship and experience of all others who hold professional or research doctorate degrees. Those with any doctoral degree, whether an M.D., D.O., DNP, Ph.D., DPT, O.D., AuD, DDS, DPM or a PharmD, have dedicated years toward their education and should be able to use the honorific “doctor” in academic and professional settings. Referring to only physicians as “doctors” when other clinicians hold doctorates sends a divisive and hierarchical message that erodes interdisciplinary respect and collaboration. It also enables power dynamics contrary to modern health care’s push to dismantle paternalism.”
🦉Educational Opportunities
Quiz: Is this scenario a plot point from The Handmaid’s Tale or something currently happening in Texas?
I made my husband take this quiz comparing Margaret Atwood’s classic book, The Handmaid’s Tale, with Texas's current lack of autonomy. He demonstrated how much he’s been paying attention to healthcare politics.
Saying it was “fun” is not right, but it is an interesting pop-culture way to contextualize the dire straights women and trans folks face.
If you miss any answers, I hope you’ll read up on what’s happening in Texas.
Act FAST for Stroke Survival
From the CDC:
“Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and acting quickly could mean the difference between life and disability or death. If you delay getting help, the risk of permanent damage or death increases greatly.
Even if the symptoms don’t last long, they may still be a sign of stroke. Call 911 right away if you or someone you know has any of these symptoms:
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
Sudden problems seeing in one eye or both eyes
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or trouble walking
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Other danger signs that may occur include double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting. Stroke strikes fast. Responding quickly when you notice any of these symptoms is key.”
That’s it!
As always, thanks for being curious!
Hit reply and let me know what ethics issues you are most curious about this week—I’d love to hear from you!
See you next week! (*But really you’ll get the next Curious Bioethics tomorrow! I’m getting back on track!)
Be Well & Be Curious,
Alyssa