Christopher Boorse's Bio Statistical Theory (BST) defines health as the absence of disease, and disease adverse departure from normal species functioning. This paper presents a two-pronged problem for this account. First I demonstrate that, in order to accurately account dynamic physiological functions, function needs be modified index functions against situations. then that if are indexed situations, BST can no longer diseases result specific environmental factors. The is impaled on either...

Abstract Is the mammalian embryo/fetus a part of organism that gestates it? According to containment view, fetus is not of, but merely contained within or surrounded by, gestating organism. parthood This paper proceeds in two stages. First, I argue view received view; it generally assumed without good reason; and needs substantial support if be taken seriously. Second, derives considerable from range biological physiological considerations. tentatively conclude favour end by identifying some...

Unconsented episiotomies and other procedures during labour are commonly reported by women in several countries, often highlighted birth activism. Yet, forced caesarean sections aside, the ethics of consent has received little attention. Focusing on episiotomies, this paper addresses whether how should be obtained. We briefly review rationale for informed consent, distinguishing its intrinsic instrumental relevance respecting autonomy. also emphasise two non-explicit ways giving consent:...

According to Christopher Boorse's Bio-Statistical Theory (BST), 'health' is statistically normal function in a reference class, and 'disease' are empirical, objective value-free concepts. I demonstrate that the success of BST depends on its choice classes; different classes result accounts health. argue nothing nature empirically or objectively dictates use Boorse proposes. Reference BST, concept health, therefore not value-free. Nor there reason favour over health classes.

According to Christopher Boorse's Bio-Statistical Theory (BST), 'health' is statistically normal function in a reference class, and 'disease' are empirical, objective value-free concepts.I demonstrate that the success of BST depends on its choice classes; different classes result accounts health.I argue nothing nature empirically or objectively dictates use Boorse proposes.Reference BST, concept health, therefore not value-free.Nor there reason favour over health classes.

The literature on health and diseases is usually presented as an opposition between naturalism normativism. This article argues that such a picture too simplistic: there not one normativism, but many. I distinguish four different domains where naturalist normativist claims can be contrasted: (1) ordinary usage, (2) conceptually clean versions of "health" "disease," (3) the operationalization dysfunction, (4) justification for operationalization. In process present new arguments in response...

Abstract A 2017 Nature report was widely touted as hailing the arrival of artificial womb. But scientists involved claim their technology is merely an improvement in neonatal care. This raises under‐considered question: what differentiates incubation from womb technology? Considering nature gestation—or metaphysics pregnancy—(a) identifies more profound differences between fetuses and neonates/babies than location (in or outside maternal body) alone: neonates have different physiological...

Disrespect and abuse during labour birth are increasingly reported all over the world. In 2016, a Dutch client organization initiated an online campaign, #genoeggezwegen (#breakthesilence) which encouraged women to share negative traumatic maternity care experiences. This study aimed (1) determine what types of disrespect were described in (2) gain more detailed understanding these experiences.A qualitative social media content analysis was carried out two phases. A deductive coding...

Women experience disrespect and abuse during labour birth all over the world. While gravity of many forms is evident, some its more subtle may not always be experienced as upsetting by women. This study examines (1) how often women in Netherlands (2) frequently they consider such experiences upsetting. We also examine (3) which respondent characteristics (age, ethnicity, educational level parity) are associated with those that upsetting, (4) associations between abuse, women's...

In ( Kingma [2010] ), I argued that Boorse's ([1977], [1997]) biostatistical theory of health (BST) is unable to accommodate diseases are the normal result harmful environments. Hausman [2011] ) disagrees: if BST compares dispositional function against whole population or reference class, rather than organisms in similar circumstances as proposed, then my challenge can be avoided. this paper, argue Hausman's response fails: his proposal cannot a series common physiological processes, such...

Abstract What is the metaphysical relationship between fetus/embryo and pregnant organism? In this paper I apply a substance metaphysics view developed by Barry Smith Berit Brogaard to argue, on basis of topological connectedness, that fetuses/embryos are Lady-Parts: part maternal organism up until birth. This leaves two options. Either mammalian organisms begin at birth, or we revise our conception such can be other mammals. The first option has some advantages: it numerically neat; aligns...

Informed consent for medical interventions is ethically and legally required; an important aspect of quality safety in healthcare; essential to person-centred care. During labour birth, respecting requirements, including refusal, can contribute a higher sense choice control labouring women. This study examines (1) what extent which procedures during birth women report that requirements were not met and/or inadequate information was provided, (2) how frequently consider being upsetting (3)...

Introduction Respectful Maternity Care is important for achieving a positive labour and birth experience. Client-care provider interaction—specifically respect, communication, confidentiality autonomy—is an aspect of Care. The aim this study was twofold: (1) to assess Dutch women’s experience autonomy during (2) identify which client characteristics are associated with experiencing optimal autonomy. Methods Pregnant women who recently gave in the Netherlands were recruited fill out validated...

This paper critically analyses 'the paradox of autonomy and consent in maternity care'. It argues that care has certain features increase the need for explicit attention to, respect for, both rigorous informed processes. And, moreover, resulting is considerably greater than almost all other areas medicine. These are as follows: (1) involves particularly socially sensitive body parts regularly implicated consent-centred procedures, well unconsented interventions, ordinary, non-medical life;...

In this paper we present an initial roadmap for the ethical development and eventual implementation of artificial amniotic sac placenta technology in clinical practice. We consider four elements attention: (1) framing societal dialogue; (2) value sensitive design, (3) research ethics (4) legal resulting adequate moral framework. Attention to all is a necessary requirement ethically responsible technology. The first element concerns importance dialogue. This should involve relevant...

<i>Background:</i> While there is abundant evidence that patients with Huntington’s disease (HD) have an impairment in the recognition of emotional facial expression disgust, previous studies only examined emotion perception using full-blown expressions. <i>Objective:</i> The current study examines expressions HD at different levels intensity to investigate whether more subtle deficits can be detected, possible also other emotions. <i>Method:</i> We...

Experiencing upsetting disrespect and abuse (D&A) during labour birth negatively affects women's experiences. Knowing in what circumstances of women experience situations D&A can create general awareness help healthcare providers judge the need for extra attention their care to reduce these However, little is known about how different characteristics relate D&A. Previous studies showed differences experiences experienced between primiparous multiparous women. This study explores, stratified...

Mammals are usually considered unproblematic as biological individuals. This article contends the opposite. Once we consider pregnancy, criteria for individuality not easily applicable in mammals and give conflicting results: mammalian pregnancy poses a problem individuality. may open fruitful new approaches to is of relevance metaphysicians interested (human) organisms.

Abstract When did we begin to exist? Barry Smith and Berit Brogaard argue that a new human organism comes into existence neither earlier nor later than the moment of gastrulation: 16 days after conception. Several critics have responded onset must happen earlier; closer This article makes radically different claim: if accept Brogaard’s ontological commitments, then organisms start, on average, roughly nine months The main point contention is whether fetus or not part maternal organism. it...