This page lists some of the topical issues that have arised in the UK and international newspapers that have coicided with the Jan-May semester for the discussion boards.  The details were raised both in class and on the discussion boards and sparked great interest and a wide range of opinions.

2008

The UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill attracted much attention during early 2008, being read in the House of Lords, and subsequently the Commons.  It is still to be finalised as the third reading has not been scheduled.  Both The Times and the BBC covered the main issues of the debate.

2007

The case of Leah Beth Richards and the difficulties associated with children and whether they have a right to refuse treatment vs their medical best interests was widely reported in early 2007.

2006

A scare involving healthy volunteers for drug trials sparked huge interest, particularly amongst the students who may or may not have seen in as a valuable way to supplement their finances!

2005

The seven year legal argument about the withdrawal of a feeding tube in the US (Terri Schiavo) was of significant interest and debate in the UK, as noted by the BBC.