The hottest Medical Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

WPATH, part II: The gist

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1924 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Social justice Gender identity Medical Ethics Transgender Issues
  1. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health is now calling itself 'evidence-based', but some parts of their research have been held back, which affects their practice.
  2. They are aware of problems in their field, like overly simplistic assessment tools, but are trying to move towards more inclusive and open-ended questions.
  3. There are concerns about patients, especially young people, wanting to revert their gender decisions, which highlights the importance of supporting individual choices.

Vaccination is legalized, decriminalized, government-sponsored, government-run torture, mutilation and homicide.

Bailiwick News • 6598 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Government Regulation Legal issues Medical Ethics
  1. Vaccination programs have been criticized as harmful and misleading, with claims that they cause suffering and even death.
  2. The argument is made that individuals can resist these programs by not participating and by advocating for changes in laws that enable them.
  3. There is a belief that the government has misled the public about the safety and regulation of vaccines, making individuals skeptical about their trust in these medical interventions.

WPATH, part I: "The dignity of risk and the right to regret"

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1884 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Patient rights Gender Issues Public Health Policy Debate
  1. Teenagers have the right to make decisions, even if they might regret them later. This is part of growing up and learning about themselves.
  2. Medical decisions, especially about serious treatments like hormone therapy, require careful consideration. They aren't just like normal teenage risks of dating or making silly choices.
  3. Clinicians must take responsibility for their actions and the potential harm they can cause. It's important to really think about the safety and effectiveness of medical interventions for young people.

Learning curve.

Bailiwick News • 5983 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Government Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Vaccines have historically been linked to harm for multiple generations, raising concerns about their safety and effectiveness.
  2. There is a belief that government and health officials have manipulated regulations to make vaccine approvals easier without proper safety standards.
  3. Many urge individuals to stop vaccinating, especially children, citing a lack of trust in the health system and its practices.

Medical Roundup #4

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1747 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Healthcare policy Drug Development Public Health Life Extension
  1. Medical news has slowed down as other topics grab our attention, but real developments are happening quickly due to advancements in AI.
  2. Life expectancy is on the rise in many countries, and we are seeing breakthroughs in preventative healthcare and treatment options, like effective ways to prevent HIV.
  3. It is important to be cautious and proactive about your health. Sometimes doctors may not give the full picture, so getting a second opinion can make a difference.
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Deliberate induction of anaphylaxis by vaccination

Bailiwick News • 2773 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Medical Ethics Health Policy Bioethics
  1. Vaccines can potentially cause serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, which may not be easily predictable. This can happen even with substances that are usually safe when eaten.
  2. Some historical research on anaphylaxis reveals a connection between vaccinations and the increase in allergies and autoimmune conditions today, suggesting that vaccines might sensitize people to allergens.
  3. Many vaccines contain proteins or substances that could trigger allergies, and the lack of stringent regulation in vaccine development means that people might not be fully aware of the risks involved.

A Critique Of “Mental and Emotional Health of Youth after 24 months of Gender-Affirming Medical Care Initiated with Pubertal Suppression”

Singal-Minded • 798 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Youth health Mental health
  1. The study on gender-affirming medical care suggests that puberty blockers didn't improve or harm the mental health of the youth involved, indicating they were stable throughout the study.
  2. There were concerns about the study's methodology, including why certain outcomes weren’t reported and a significant drop in participants over the study period, which raises questions about the validity of the results.
  3. Researchers have changed their claims about the purpose and effectiveness of puberty blockers, leading to confusion about their intended use and the outcomes they produce.

When the Sackler Brothers studied LSD

Res Obscura • 2799 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💾 History Psychedelics Medical Ethics Pharmaceuticals Mental health Scientific research
  1. The Sackler brothers, known for their later role in the opioid crisis, initially explored the potential of LSD and other psychedelic treatments in the 1950s. They even attended early scientific discussions about LSD.
  2. Despite their good intentions to improve mental health treatments, the Sacklers also recognized the financial gains from pharmaceuticals. This shift in focus highlights how idealistic motives can change when wealth is involved.
  3. The ongoing debate about psychedelics mirrors this historical pattern. As society cautiously opens up to these substances for therapy, there are concerns about commercialization, addiction, and the potential for harm.

The Great John Ioannidis on the Terrible Science During Covid

COVID Reason • 753 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🔬 Science Public Health Research Integrity Medical Ethics Data Transparency Pandemic response
  1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a flood of poor-quality scientific studies. Many rushed papers were published that had unreliable findings, highlighting a major issue in research standards.
  2. To improve science in the future, researchers need to focus on real problems and provide real-world data instead of relying heavily on models. Transparency is also crucial so everyone can trust the research and its sources.
  3. Healthcare workers faced immense challenges during the pandemic and deserve more support. The lessons learned from this crisis should help us prioritize quality scientific work and the human aspect of healthcare.

Will New York Soon Make It Too Easy to Die?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1136 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Health Policy Medical Ethics Social Issues
  1. New York is considering a law that would allow assisted dying with no waiting period. This is different from other states that have waiting times.
  2. Some people worry that making it too easy to die could turn suicide into a medical choice for those in crisis.
  3. A family member shared their experience, saying they didn't want to suffer if diagnosed with a terminal illness. This highlights the personal impact of such laws.

Expert Critics Of The HHS Report On Youth Gender Medicine Are Projecting—And Helping Implode Their Own Credibility (Part 1 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 597 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Public Health Medical Ethics Policy Analysis
  1. The HHS report on youth gender medicine raises skepticism due to its ties to past administrations, but it actually offers a well-done summary of the current evidence, which is lacking in support for youth gender treatments.
  2. Critics of the HHS report, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, have responded quickly and forcefully but often without providing clear evidence or details to back up their claims.
  3. The conversation around youth gender medicine is complicated, and the rushing to judgment by authorities has damaged their credibility, making it harder for families to find trustworthy guidance.

Her Surgeon Said She Needed The Operation. UnitedHealthcare Said No.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 899 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Issues Medical Ethics Patient Advocacy Policy Reform
  1. A woman named Robin needed a back surgery that her doctor recommended, but her insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, denied the request multiple times without clear explanations.
  2. The increasing number of denied medical procedures has led to significant financial issues for hospitals and has contributed to rising health care costs and bankruptcies.
  3. Robin's situation highlights a broader problem where insurance companies often prioritize profits over patient care, causing emotional and physical distress for those affected.

Fighting for the voiceless: The Death of Franca Panettone

COVID Reason • 594 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient rights Healthcare access Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. Franca Panettone, who had Down Syndrome, faced a tragic situation in a hospital where she was separated from her family and had no way to advocate for herself. This led to her feeling helpless and restrained during her care.
  2. Franca's family experienced a lack of communication from the hospital about her condition and treatment. They were not informed about her critical health changes or allowed to visit her, which added to their grief and confusion.
  3. This story highlights the need for better advocacy and communication in healthcare, especially for vulnerable individuals. It raises important questions about patient rights and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Abigail Shrier: How the Gender Fever Finally Broke

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 9626 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Public Policy Free speech Education
  1. There has been a significant shift in the conversation around gender identity, with actions taken to limit certain medical practices for children. This shows a growing recognition of the complexities involved with gender issues.
  2. Concerns have been raised about how young people, particularly young women, are navigating their identities. There were many urgent appeals for surgeries that might have long-term consequences.
  3. The debate around gender identity has become highly polarized, with some voices being suppressed, especially those that challenge popular narratives. This highlights the tension between free speech and activism in this area.

None of the 70,000 Adverse Events of Puberty Blocking Drugs Were a “Safety Priority” for Biden’s FDA

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Drug Safety Medical Ethics Transgender Issues Public Health
  1. The FDA has received about 70,000 reports of negative events related to puberty-blocking drugs, but these have not been prioritized for safety concerns. This raises questions about how drug safety is monitored.
  2. Puberty blockers can have serious side effects, including risks for strokes and permanent health issues. Critics argue that these drugs should not be used for children who are healthy.
  3. There is a noticeable difference in how the FDA communicates risks; they have publicly warned about some drugs more than others. This might affect trust in the FDA's commitment to public health.

Triple Tragedy And Thankful Theory

Astral Codex Ten • 18101 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Medical Ethics Patient Care Neurology Public Health
  1. Survival-oriented systems focus on making quick decisions to prevent crises, while thriving-oriented systems take more time to explore options. This can cause misunderstandings between them.
  2. Collaboration can improve if both sides appreciate each other's intentions and realize they have different communication styles. Being thankful and confirming good intentions helps.
  3. When urgency rises, space-efficient communication might seem harsh, and time-efficient communication can feel unfocused. Both sides should try to interpret this behavior charitably to work together better.

Doctors Won't Listen. Is Artificial Intelligence the Answer?

COVID Reason • 356 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Healthcare policy Technology Integration AI Applications Patient Care
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed flaws in the healthcare system, showing that some doctors may not always listen to their patients or critically evaluate their practices.
  2. A study found that while AI like GPT-4 can diagnose accurately on its own, doctors did not significantly improve their performance using it, possibly due to skepticism and integration issues.
  3. For AI to be effective in healthcare, there needs to be better collaboration between doctors and AI tools, focusing on trust and finding ways to integrate AI smoothly into their work.

The Long Awaited Debate Of Covid Science: A Team of Experts Rebut The Expert Opinions of BC's College of Physicians and Surgeons

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 8254 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Misinformation
  1. Dr. Hoffe faced consequences for raising concerns about Covid vaccine safety and experienced backlash from the medical community.
  2. The College hired an expert who criticized Dr. Hoffe's statements on Covid, but Dr. Kory disputes the conclusions, pointing to evidence that the expert report was biased.
  3. Dr. Kory provided a detailed expert report defending Dr. Hoffe, highlighting the efficacy of ivermectin in preventing Covid and criticizing the disinformation tactics used to suppress this information.

COVID time series graphs show clearly the COVID vaccine kill people. That's why they keep the plots hidden from view.

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Safety Data Analysis Medical Ethics
  1. Time series graphs can show if a vaccine is safe or not by plotting daily deaths after vaccination. A safe vaccine should show a flat line after the initial period.
  2. Current data for COVID vaccines shows increasing mortality rates after vaccination, which suggests they may not be safe. Many reports don’t show this data.
  3. The medical community often ignores clear signs of vaccine risks, despite evidence appearing in graphs and reports, leading to frustration among those who analyze the data.

The Horse Dewormer PR Campaign And My Defense Of Dr. Charles Hoffe Against The BC College of Physicians and Surgeons

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 7036 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health
  1. The Canadian government restricted access to ivermectin, leading to Canadians seeking veterinary sources of the medication.
  2. A coordinated public relations campaign was launched to discourage the use of ivermectin, involving federal agencies, media, and health organizations.
  3. Physicians faced challenges accessing and prescribing ivermectin due to restrictions, leading some to consider the use of veterinary versions in treating COVID-19 patients.

Try This at Home: The World's Simplest Germ Killer

OK Doomer • 24 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Disease Prevention Health Policy Medical Ethics
  1. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a natural germ killer that our bodies already produce to fight germs. It's similar to bleach but safe for use.
  2. There is a growing movement against vaccines in some states, with groups pushing for bans. This comes at a critical time for vaccine development.
  3. Using safe, effective germ-killing methods at home can be important, especially in light of public health concerns and vaccine hesitancy.

Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy Health care Patient rights
  1. The author believes people should have the choice to end their suffering through assisted death. Personal experiences can shape our views on complex topics like this.
  2. Assisted dying laws have been discussed globally, with countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK considering legislation. It's important to explore these issues from different perspectives.
  3. The story of the author's mother shows that even the healthiest people can face serious illnesses like cancer. This highlights the unpredictability of life and health.

Poetic Justice for Jay Bhattacharya

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Policy Debate Science communication Medical Ethics
  1. Jay Bhattacharya was a respected Stanford professor until the pandemic changed everything. He proposed focusing on protecting vulnerable people instead of broad lockdowns.
  2. With support from other scientists, he created the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for 'focused protection' during Covid-19. This approach aimed to keep society more open while safeguarding those at risk.
  3. Despite facing harsh criticism and attacks on his character for his views, Bhattacharya's ideas are gaining more attention, especially as he may soon lead the NIH.

The Debate of Covid Science Part 2: A Team of Covid Experts Debate The Opinions Of BC's College Of Physicians And Surgeons

Pierre Kory’s Medical Musings • 4422 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics COVID-19 Vaccines Medical Ethics Treatment
  1. Dr. Hoffe's statements on the efficacy of ivermectin in treating Covid-19 are supported by a large body of scientific evidence, including numerous positive meta-analyses and health ministry reports.
  2. Dr. Corneil's expert report ignored significant positive evidence on the effectiveness of ivermectin, focusing on selective negative studies and flawed trials.
  3. The exclusion of key studies, manipulation of trial data, and reliance on questionable criteria suggest a biased and disingenuous approach in evaluating the efficacy of ivermectin for Covid-19 treatment.

... No, We Definitely Want to Use Medical Arguments to Defend Trans Children

Freddie deBoer • 11912 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Transgender rights Medical care Advocacy Health care Medical Ethics
  1. Medical arguments are crucial for defending trans children to ensure access to necessary healthcare.
  2. Advocating for trans rights should focus on practical strategies that work in the real world, not just theoretical ideals.
  3. Challenging societal norms and privacy laws for medical decisions of trans children may have adverse political consequences.

Who Does Polygenic Selection Help?

Astral Codex Ten • 11562 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🔬 Science Genetics Medical Ethics Biology IVF Healthcare
  1. Polygenic selection can help prevent genetic diseases like schizophrenia by choosing embryos with lower risk during IVF, leading to healthier children
  2. Despite the complex nature of genetic selection, it can have positive effects on individuals and society by preventing diseases and improving overall health outcomes
  3. Analogies like preventing fetal alcohol syndrome through prenatal care or choosing healthier IVF embryos demonstrate the ethical and practical benefits of polygenic selection

Did I Publish The Private Medical Records Of Transgender Children?

Singal-Minded • 2241 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Transgender Issues Medical Ethics Activism Misinformation
  1. People are spreading false rumors about someone publishing private medical records of trans minors. This rumor seems to stem from misunderstandings and exaggerations about what was actually reported.
  2. It's important to approach such topics carefully, as misinformation can lead to harmful consequences for individuals and communities. Claims need careful examination before being believed.
  3. The online environment can intensify these rumors, causing real-world effects and fears for those involved, highlighting the need for accountability in how information is shared and discussed.

ScienceVs: Trans Kids Health Care: Are We Getting It Wrong? (II)

Carolina Curmudgeon • 39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Trans rights Medical Ethics Child Health Mental health Public Policy
  1. 1. The podcast only featured experts who support gender-affirming care, not those who might question its effectiveness. This creates a one-sided view of a complicated issue.
  2. 2. The discussion did not challenge any ideas about gender identity or question the idea that being trans is just as normal as being cisgender. This could limit understanding of the topic.
  3. 3. A study noted that using a preferred name can significantly reduce suicidal thoughts in gender dysphoric kids. However, instead of pushing for medical treatments, maybe simple name changes and support could be a better first step.

Open letter to the New Zealand Health Minister.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Healthcare policy Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. The open letter to New Zealand's Health Minister highlights worries about the new gender-affirming care guidelines, suggesting they lack solid evidence and consensus.
  2. It questions the credibility of organizations like WPATH and PATHA, pointing out conflicts of interest and potential political pressures affecting health guidelines.
  3. There's a call for greater caution in treating young people who identify as transgender, emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices rather than 'treatment on demand.'

Yale’s “Integrity Project” Is Spreading Misinformation About The Cass Review And Youth Gender Medicine: Part 3

Singal-Minded • 1453 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Medical Ethics Public Health Clinical Research
  1. Yale's Integrity Project has been criticized for spreading misinformation about youth gender medicine and the Cass Review. Many argue that their claims are not based on solid evidence.
  2. Critics of the Integrity Project highlight that their arguments often lack proper context or are misleading. They suggest that the project's authors are prioritizing a legal narrative over accurate scientific discourse.
  3. The debate around gender medicine for youth is complicated and filled with differing opinions. It's important to critically evaluate sources and claims to understand the real effects of treatments like puberty blockers.

Health Insurers Increasingly Prevent Care for Children, New Congressional Report Finds

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Practices Legislation Child Health Medical Ethics
  1. Health insurers are making it harder for children to get necessary medical care. This often happens through a process called prior authorization, where doctors need approval from insurers before treating patients.
  2. A recent government report found that private insurers have inconsistent rules about approving basic health screenings and treatments for kids, which is crucial for their long-term health.
  3. The report suggests the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should check if insurers can really ask for prior approval for care that doesn't need it according to regulations. This is important to ensure all children get the preventative care they need.

The ‘Wild, Wild West’ of the American Egg Donor Industry

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Fertility Medical Ethics Women's Health Healthcare access
  1. The egg donation industry is often seen as an easy way to make money, but it comes with hidden long-term risks that many donors don't fully understand.
  2. Donors like Kaylene Breeding can experience serious health issues after donating, such as fertility problems and chronic pain.
  3. There is a lack of research on the long-term effects of egg donation, leaving many donors unaware of the potential consequences to their health.

Red Dye #3 is out, and boosters may get RCTs: Why is the evidence to remove a chemical from food LESS THAN the evidence to recommend a medical interventions?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 119 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Food Safety
  1. The FDA is banning Red Dye #3 because it could be harmful, but there's a higher standard for proving medical products effective before they're recommended. We should be careful about both but have different rules for food and medicine.
  2. Medical treatments often come with costs and potential side effects, so it's important to run proper studies before suggesting them to healthy people. When making decisions about interventions, we should prioritize safety and benefit.
  3. There's a real difference in how we treat food additives versus medical products. While we question the safety of new medicine, we should also question adding unnecessary chemicals to our food.

An open letter to Harvard President, Alan Garber

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 268 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccine Mandates Academic Freedom Public Health Political Influence Medical Ethics
  1. Harvard should show a commitment to academic freedom by reinstating fired professors like Martin Kulldorff. This would help represent a wider range of ideas on campus.
  2. The COVID-19 vaccine mandate by the Biden administration had issues, particularly with not considering natural immunity. This raised questions about individual rights versus public health.
  3. The treatment of some faculty members during the pandemic raises concerns about political bias in academic settings. Harvard needs to correct its mistakes to ensure a true diversity of thought.

mRNA Injury stories - SEPSIS & AMPUTATION - 41 yo Lucinda Mullins had a small kidney stone, developed sepsis and lost all her limbs; 13 yo softball player Anita Navas had rash & lost her legs

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 2260 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccinations Injuries COVID-19 Medical Ethics
  1. 41-year-old Lucinda Mullins developed sepsis and lost all her limbs after a small kidney stone
  2. 13-year-old Anita Navas lost her legs after developing a rash
  3. The post discusses why these serious injuries occur in individuals vaccinated with mRNA for COVID-19

What The Detransitioner Clementine Breen’s Gender “Therapy” Looked Like

Singal-Minded • 1083 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Gender Issues Mental health Activism Medical Ethics Trans rights
  1. Clementine Breen, a UCLA student, is suing her doctor for care she received during her transition. She feels that the treatments led her to regret her decisions.
  2. Breen's therapy involved close connections between her therapist and the medical staff, which raises concerns about impartiality. This makes it important to have independent support in such sensitive situations.
  3. There were signs that Breen's gender identity questions came about due to recent family trauma, suggesting that therapists should explore underlying issues before making treatment decisions.

Reader Question - My Doctor Claims He Can "Jump Start" Weight Loss?

Weight and Healthcare • 878 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Nutrition Medical Ethics Body positivity Health Research
  1. Behavior-based weight loss interventions usually fail to produce significant, long-term weight loss for most people.
  2. The idea of 'jump starting' weight loss with extreme food/caloric restrictions is generally ill-advised as it can trigger famine responses in the body, making it a weight-gaining machine.
  3. Promoting or selling products like liquid diets by medical professionals is not legally prohibited, but the evidence does not support the effectiveness of 'kick starting' weight loss as a long-term solution.