SURROGATE MOTHERING:EXPLOITATION OR EMPOWERMENT?

The morality of surrogate mothering is analyzed from a "consequentialist" framework which attempts to separate those consequences that invariably accompany a given act from those that accompany it only in particular circumstances. Critics of surrogacy argue that it transfers the burden and risk of pregnancy onto another woman, separates sex and reproduction, and separates reproduction and childrearing; none of these acts is necessarily wrong, either morally or for women's or society's basic interests. While surrogate mothering can be rendered immoral if women are coerced into the practice or become victims of subordinating or penalizing contracts, it has the potential to empower women and increase their status in society by providing a job that is less risky and more enjoyable than other jobs women are forced to take and by achieving greater social recognition for reproductive labor.     

GLOBAL BIOETHICS: UTOPIA OR REALITY?

This article discusses what 'global bioethics' means today and what features make bioethical research 'global'. The article provides a historical view of the development of the field of 'bioethics', from medical ethics to the wider study of bioethics in a global context. It critically examines the particular problems that 'global bioethics' research faces across cultural and political borders and suggests some solutions on how to move towards a more balanced and culturally less biased dialogue in the issues of bioethics. The main thesis is that we need to bring global and local aspects closer together, when looking for international guidelines, by paying more attention to particular cultures and local economic and social circumstances in reaching a shared understanding of the main values and principles of bioethics, and in building 'biodemocracy'.     

TREATMENT OF MELANOMA—SUCCESS OR FAILURE?

The treatment of melanoma should be by radical surgical excision of the primary lesion and dissection of the regional nodes.Where possible this should be done in anatomic continuity; otherwise in physical discontinuity but at the same time.If maximum salvage is to be achieved the nodal dissection must be effected before there is clinical evidence of involvement by metastasis.Amputation of extremities should be reserved for cases in which there is evident metastasis between the original focus and the regional lymph node areas.