Bioethics & Health News
December 7

December 7, 2005

WTO Upholds Cheaper Drugs Waiver

World Trade Organization (WTO) members have agreed to uphold a rule that allows poor countries to import cheaper copies of patented medicines.
(BBC)

Op-Ed: She Died the Same Way She Lived: Planning Well in Advance

My mother believed in the verities of life. Don’t wear white after Labor Day. A phone call does not replace a thank-you note. Everything should have a place, and everything should be in its place.
(New York Times)

Most Employers Will Continue Drug Coverage

Four in five businesses that provide prescription drug coverage for their retirees will accept a government subsidy next year and continue providing that benefit, according to a survey of 300 large companies.
(AP)

U.S., Most States Get Failing Grades for Health Emergency Preparedness

The U.S. government and most of the states are not prepared to protect the public’s health in mass emergencies or acts of bioterrorism.
(HealthDay)

Report: TV Ads Contribute to Child Obesity

SpongeBob SquarePants, Shrek and other characters kids love should promote only healthy food, a panel of scientists recommended.
(MSNBC)

Study Finds FluMist Nasal Vaccine Safe

A new nasal vaccine against influenza, which helps patients avoid the needle, has caused no unexpected side-effects, U.S. government researchers reported Tuesday.
(Reuters)