Sims Lecture 2009

Damon Sims, Prof. Margaret Mohrmann and Richard Miller

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“Bioethics For Babies: Are There Guidelines for the Perplexed?”

There are many complex issues in the field of bioethics. The issue of treating infants with multiple, life-threatening conditions was the focus of the Matthew Vandivier Sims Memorial lecture delivered at Indiana University Bloomington on April 16, 2009 by prominent bioethicist, professor Margaret E. Mohrmann.

Dr. Mohrmann is a professor of biomedical ethics at the University of Virginia. She is also a professor of pediatrics and medical education, an associate professor of religious studies, and director of the program of biomedical ethics at the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Humanities.

The Sims Lecture series is sponsored by the Matthew Vandivier Sims fund and the Poynter Center for the Study of Ethics and American Institutions.

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Welcome and introduction of lecturer and lecture series benefactor by professor Richard B. Miller, Poynter Center director

Opening remarks

A formative encounter

Two enduring questions
Definitions of Parents and We (everyone hearing the lecture)
Child’s interests
Child and pain

About bioethics
Example and issues

Two necessary acknowledgements
Christina’s story: a family’s difficult decision

“… as I suggest some candidates for a list of ways
in which we may be able to assist parents facing this sort of
life-altering, future-defining, almost literally unthinkable decision about their infant.”
Role of medical professional

Q & A session