Bioethics
The Center offers programs and resources on ethical issues in end-of-life care, vulnerable patient populations, medically ineffective interventions (futility), culturally competent care, biotechnology, pandemics, and other areas of bioethics.
What is Bioethics?
Margaret R. McLean, director of Bioethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, discusses ethics in genetics, health care, astrobiology, and end of life issues.
Commentary on Bioethics
Research on Genetically Modified Embryos
Ethical concerns over scientific advances
We cannot afford to merely "play" with synthetic biology or AI or self-replicating nanotechnology.
The Meaning of Freedom
Health care debate defines freedom too narrowly
Freedom cannot be detached from context and purpose.
Model Catholic Health Care Ethics Policies
Policies developed for Catholic health care, consistent with Catholic teaching.
Bioethics Programs
Health Care Ethics Internship
This unique program places students in local hospitals and other health care facilities, where they experience day-to-day ethical issues and dilemmas.
Learn MoreHonzel Fellowship in Health Care Ethics
The Fellow serves as a peer mentor to students in the Health Care Ethics Internship and develops an ethics project with particular relevance to students and alumni.
Learn MoreConsultation Services
Ethics Center staff provide ethics consultation to local hospitals, offering counsel on complex decision making to health care professionals, patients, and families and serving on regional bioethics committees.
Contact Us About Consultation Services