Committee on Bioethical Issues

The Committee on Bioethical Issues examines the ethical as well as legal implications of health related matters. Some issues addressed by the Committee include stem cell research and legislation, physician assisted suicide, and electronic health records and confidentiality. The Committee has hosted speakers from the New York Organ Donor Network and The Eye Bank, who have given presentations on organ and tissue donation. The Committee’s most recent program was on palliative care, followed by a panel discussion with attorneys, physicians and ethicists. The Committee examined proposed legislation on palliative care in May 2010. The legislation required that doctors must provide information or counseling regarding options for end-of-life and palliative care to patients with a terminal condition or illness, and a prognosis of six months or less. The legislation was signed into law by former Governor Paterson. The Committee is currently analyzing Mayor Bloomberg’s initiative to prohibit NYC food stamp recipients from purchasing sodas and other sugar sweetened beverages with food stamps.

Recent Reports

A.6966/S.4488 Revised Uniform Anatomical Gifts Act (June 2009)( PDF )
Subject area: Organ donation

Letter to the Empire State Stem Cell Board on the ethics of embryonic stem cell research (May 2008)( PDF )
Subject area: Stem Cell Research

Report expressing support for S.5154, The Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which would help to increase the supply of, and access to, organs for transplantation( PDF )
Subject area: Organ donation

For the full list of committee reports click here