We are living in an era of rapid change and accelerated technological development. But what does all this mean for the world of medicine and the design of medical instruments? When we design new medical devices or healthcare technologies, we must consider both efficiency and safety and other values such as sustainability (for example, reducing environmental impact) and inclusion (ensuring that everyone can access medical services). Here lies the problem: how can we measure or operationalize these values? For example, how can we quantify inclusion in a medical device? This is a hot topic for value-based design experts. The chapter discusses the importance of design for values in the field of medicine in the 21st century, highlighting the need to integrate values such as sustainability and inclusion into all phases of the medical instrument design process. The methodological problem of measuring and operationalizing these values is also discussed, as well as the critical role of medical students in shaping the future of health and medical technology.
TopIntroduction
The field of bioethics deals with ethical issues related to advances in biology, medicine, and technology. Some key horizons of bioethics include genomic medicine, artificial intelligence in healthcare, neuroethics and emerging biotechnologies. Research and innovation in bioethics focuses on the ethics of research design, the integration of ethical values into the design process, and informed consent in innovative trials. Global collaboration and the ethics of AI and big data are also important topics. Specifically, Design for Values (DfV) integrates ethical considerations into the design process. It emphasizes values like privacy, equity, and sustainability.
Collaborations across cultures and legal systems are essential to address global health challenges. How do we balance local context with universal ethical norms? As our understanding of genetics deepens, we face ethical dilemmas related to genetic testing, gene editing, and personalized medicine. Balancing individual autonomy, privacy, and equitable access to genomic information is crucial.
Bioethicists must address issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and accountability in AI systems. With advancements in neuroimaging and brain-computer interfaces, we confront questions about brain privacy, cognitive enhancement, and neurological interventions. How do we respect autonomy when altering brain function?
This chapter concerns horizons of bioethics (Figure 1) and the development of the research in innovation.
Figure 1. (NC Repost, 202i) Figure 2.
Human reproduction and shaping human beings: Main issues
TopHuman Reproduction
QUESTIONS. Should we be worried about women feeling coerced into freezing their eggs? What could be the knock-on social effects of this trend for women?
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a method where a woman’s eggs are harvested, frozen, and stored for future use, allowing women to preserve their fertility by preserving healthy eggs when they are younger, potentially increasing their chances of conception later in life. The process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving them, and then freezing them using specialized techniques (Waldby, 2015; Baldwin, 2019; Katsani et al., 2024).
The topic of social egg freezing is a complex and multifaceted issue that intersects with various aspects of society, including healthcare, ethics, gender equality, and personal choice. The practice of preserving fertility through egg freezing has been on the rise, driven by factors such as career planning, educational pursuits, and the desire for financial stability before starting a family. While this medical advancement offers women more autonomy over their reproductive timeline, it also raises concerns about potential pressures and societal expectations.
The decision to freeze eggs can be influenced by societal norms and expectations, potentially leading to a sense of coercion for some women. This perceived pressure may stem from the cultural emphasis on career success before motherhood or the stigma associated with aging and fertility. As a result, women may feel compelled to undergo the procedure as a precautionary measure, even if they are not yet ready to make a definitive decision about their future family life.
The social implications of this trend are far-reaching. On one hand, egg freezing can be empowering, providing women with more control over their reproductive choices and the flexibility to pursue life goals without the immediate concern of a biological clock. On the other hand, it may inadvertently reinforce the notion that women must choose between career and family, rather than promoting a societal structure that supports both.