Medical Ethics & Health debate motions (page 2)

Page 2 of 4: 200 more medical ethics & health motions, covering 2016 to 2020. Start at the newest medical ethics & health motions, or search the whole bank from the motion explorer.

2020 (87 motions)

TH, as someone with hyperempathy, would not take the pill.
Cyberpunk IV · Silver_Final
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1. Hyperempathy is a psychological disorder that a minority of people have that gives people the sensation that they can internally feel the sensations and emotions they perceive in others at a similar intensity. 2. There is a pill that permanantely removes hyperempathy from a person.
In countries with a lack of medical professionals, TH, rather than regulate who can be a healthcare professional, would provide optional certifications of competence
DGBDS Mace 2020 · 2
THW institute a health credit system (inexact wording)
The Grand Spar May · 2
This house, as person X, would choose to upload yourself onto the digital afterlife instead of going through with the surgery
The Grand Spar May · ProAm_Final
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It is the year 2050, we have figured out how to upload the consciousness onto a life simulation run on servers. Everything feels almost like real life on the digital afterlife.You're able to keep all of your memories, aware of what's going on, and even interact with people that are alive via virtual reality or social media applications (this means you could hold a call in real time with someone alive). However, in order to access the simulation, you must still be somewhat alive (if you've been dead before choosing to access the simulation, you can't upload yourself), and have some amount of wealth to access the simulation and add-ons later on (they can be paid for by someone else or next of kin too). You can't earn more money once you're on the simulation, but can live forever - this means your family or great great great grandchildren might have to bear the costs or at some point when you run out of money you will be alive and only be able to access basic needs or interactions that are free. This simulated world is run by huge technology companies and entirely supported by people that are alive. People that have been "uploaded" cannot work or contribute positively to the economy of the real world.
THS filial responsibility laws
Lockdown.Exe Debate League · 7
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Filial responsibility laws impose a duty upon adult children for the support of their parents
TH, as the EU, would replace the independent national healthcare systems with a collectively funded regional system
Lord Discup's Cup 2020 · 4
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Healthcare in Europe is currently provided through a wide range of different systems run at individual national levels. These systems are funded by the individual countries and have their funding allocation entirely decided by national governments. This is in contrast with a collectively funded system in which funding is paid into a higher body, allocated amongst members and administrated by national governments.
THW require all research institutions to use at least 50% of their resources (time, staff, money, etc.) to do replication studies
India Debate Open AP 2020 · Open_Octa
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A replication study involves a different team of researchers repeating a study using the same methods. The researchers will run the same experiment in different situations in order to determine that the results are reliable, valid and generalizable. In most cases, replication studies will not be published by scientific journals.
THW allow doctors to disclose incurable and terminal hereditary conditions to their patient's life partner against the patient's wishes
India Debate Open AP 2020 · Open_Quarter
Assuming the technology to alter one's memories irreversibly exists, THW ban the use of the technology
India Debate Open AP 2020 · Open_Final
That we regret the norm that doctors should defer to their patients' wishes, even where doing so is not in those patients' best interests.
Monash Australs 2020 · 1
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Medicare-for-all is a policy proposal in the United States advocating a single-payer system, where the government steps in (rather than insurance companies) as the intermediary between patients and providers in health-care transactions.
That we should limit the trading of individual shares and derivative products to licensed professionals.
Monash Australs 2020 · 7
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A derivative is a financial security with a value that is derived from an underlying asset or group of assets. Examples are options and futures.
That the state's failure to address a pandemic should be considered as a crime against humanity.
Monash Australs 2020 · EFL_Quarter
Assuming the technology were available, and you were the only one who could use it, that you should choose to become immortal
Jurassic IV 2020 · 1
That we should prohibit research into the de-extinction of human-like species such as the Neanderthal.
Jurassic IV 2020 · 1
That individuals who breach COVID-19 lockdown requirements while unknowingly infectious should be liable for manslaughter for any resulting deaths
Jurassic IV 2020 · 2
That the United States should immediately abolish private health insurance and establish Medicare for all
Jurassic IV 2020 · 4
THW ban the buying and selling of emotional services
Indian Womxn's Debating Championship 2020 · 1
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Emotional service providers are paid by clients to provide emotional intimacy similar to family members, friends, or romantic partners; these services are non-sexual in nature.
This House Opposes the commercialization of Mindfulness
Astana EUDC 2020 · 3
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Mindfulness is the psychological process of purposely bringing one's attention to experiences occurring in the present moment without judgment, which one develops through the practice of meditation and through other training.
This House Would ban insurance coverage for sexual misconduct claims.
Astana EUDC 2020 · Open_Octa
THBT countries should suspend all elections in times of severe health crises
Astana EUDC 2020 · ESL_Semi
Assuming this medicine exists and is widely accessible, This House Believes That universities should ban and actively test for this drug
UBC Fundraiser Open 2020 · 2
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In the movie Limitless, Bradley Cooper's character gains access to a pill that makes him smarter by increasing his ability to recall old information. He could memorize books after reading through them once and was conversationally fluent in French after listening to a Rosetta Stone box set once.
THR the commercialization of genetic testing (eg: AncestryDNA, 23 & Me)
UBC Fundraiser Open 2020 · Open_Semi
THR the role of modern medicines in over-emphasizing prolonged life
GGDSD PDC 2020 · 3
This house believes that charities and humanitarian aid organizations should not use images of graphics suffering in their advertising campaigns.
GGDSD PDC 2020 · 4
This house supports health insurance companies offering optional lump sum payments to terminally ill patients who choose to forgo expensive life extending medical treatments.
The Grand Spar August · 4
THBT the government should offer cash compensation for the creation of pharmaceuticals to replace the patent system for pharmaceuticals
Princeton Round Robin 2020 · 4
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Under a "cash compensation", also known as a "prize" system, the government would reward the inventors of pharmaceutical drugs for designated diseases with a pre-set cash "prize", which can vary depending on the drug. It would refuse to issue patents to the inventors of those drugs. The rights to manufacture and distribute the drug would be open to other companies
Assuming there exists the technology to divide the 40 weeks of pregnancy between two partners in any possible way, THW mandate that each partner carries for half the term.
Feminism Open 2020 · 4
Instead of leaving the decision up to the producing company, THW legally require that Self-Driving Cars produced by companies always choose to maximise the number of lives saved, even if it leads to the death of the passengers
East Coast Asians · Novice_Final
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The "trolley problem" in self driving cars arises when a car is unavoidably going to crash and lead to some loss of life. In these cases, the system may be able to choose different actions (e.g: choosing which direction to crash into) that lead to diffrent groups of individuals losing their lives. For example, an AI might steer the car off the road in an attempt to save the passengers, killing pedestrians in the process.
THW deprioritize the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines to those who contravene public health protocol (eg: spreading false rumours about COVID, refusing to wear a mask)
Cross-DebSoc Pre-ABP Tournament 2020 · 1
Assuming the technology was available, THW allow people to erase specific memories of their choice from existence.
Cross-DebSoc Pre-ABP Tournament 2020 · Open_Final
THS excess profit taxes on corporations that derive a significant profit from a pandemic
Taiwan Online Debate Open · 2
THBT philanthropic figures focussed on COVID-19 should focus on prevention (eg distributing PPE) to possible cures/vaccines
Taiwan Online Debate Open · 2
THO the use of scientific discoveries obtained through unethical means
Taiwan Online Debate Open · Open_Final
THW not allow news media outlets to report on suicide
The Grand Spar September · 2
That, as the fertility doctor, we would tell the young woman the truth.
Pop Culture Grand Prix · 4
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You are a fertility doctor in Miami with an alcohol problem. After discovering that your wife was having an affair, you relapse and accidentally artificially inseminate a young woman with the sperm of your own (rich, attractive) brother. You know that the woman will believe she has been visited by immaculate conception and will be well supported by her community.
Without having regard to future events of the show, That the protagonists of the 100 were wrong to seek to expose the Primes
Pop Culture Grand Prix · Open_Final
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In the TV Show 'The 100', the Primes are four families who travelled in an interstellar spaceship from Earth and colonised a moon called Sanctum, eventually populating and building a safe, peaceful and prosperous micro state. The Primes have since lived for generations by transferring their consciousness into other human hosts. Because of this, the Primes are revered as divine and royal leaders of Sanctum, and have fairly easily quashed any sort of social resistance in the past. Hosts (which are rare on account of needing to have a certain blood type) are typically honoured to serve and their families are proud of them for doing so. Hosts' families also comforted by the belief that the host's mind is 'merging' with that of a Prime's. As the 'merging' is done in a secret ceremony, only the Primes are aware of the truth, which is: 1) consciousness is transferred via cybernetic implant, and 2) and the host's mind is actually lost. When the show's protagonists (another group comparable in size/strength to Santum's society, and who are travelling from Earth - since destroyed in nuclear apocalypse) arrive on Sanctum, they find out the truth and seek to expose this to the people, and in doing so start a conflict with the Primes.
THW legalize the buying and selling of one's remaining lifetime years.
Yale NUS Pro Ams 2020 · Novice_Final
That we would not publish this information
Karachi Debate Open · 1
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You are a scientist. Whilst working alone in the lab, you discover that doomsday is going to happen in exactly 5 years, and that this is completely inevitable. As the only expert in the world in this particular subject, you are very certain no one else is going to uncover this information.
That, assuming Personal Protective Equipment is sufficiently available, medical workers during a pandemic should have the right to opt out of service.
Karachi Debate Open · Open_Quarter
That in times of a global pandemic, standard research ethics should be suspended as long as the subject consents.
Karachi Debate Open · Open_Quarter
THR the rising trend of parents genetically testing their fetuses to determine the presence genetic "anomalies" (e.g. cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, Down Syndrome, excess chromosomes etc.) and ensure a "normal" child is born
The Halycon Debates · 1
THBT the Kiera Bell ruling does more harm than good
The Halycon Debates · 4
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Keira Bell, a 23-year-old de-transitioner woman from Cambridge, who previously identified as a boy, brought a judicial review against the Tavistock clinic, England's only specialist youth gender-identity centre. She claimed that the clinic should not have allowed her to take puberty blockers (drugs that slow/prevent the development of secondary sexual characteristics) and later undergo testosterone treatment and a double mastectomy. The High Court in London ruled that it was "highly unlikely" that a 13-year-old and "doubtful" that 14- and 15-year-olds are mature enough to consent to such a procedure, and that doctors treating 16- and 17-year-olds may also need to consult a judge before starting. Additionally, access to puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones be significantly limited for children under 16 who exhibit gender dysphoria.
THS the rise of drugs (medical and recreational) as a primary option for individuals to cope with mental illnesses as opposed to prioritizing more natural remedies (e.g., consultation, wellness programs, etc.)
The Halycon Debates · Open_Quarter
During the process of administering the COVID-19 vaccines, THBT governments should censor information regarding the adverse side effects of the vaccines being admistered that have already been approved for safety and efficacy.
The Halycon Debates · Open_Quarter
THW anonymise all charitable donations
The Halycon Debates · Open_Final
THW provide doctors performing life saving procedures immunity from legal action against them
ILNU Pre UADC · 1
THBT novel drugs should be made available to at risk patients before the completion of Phase III Clinical Trials
ILNU Pre UADC · 1
THW implement an anti-vaccination tax on parents who refuse to vaccinate their children
ILNU Pre UADC · 1
THBT the state should bear all costs of elective sex reassignment surgery
ILNU Pre UADC · Open_Octa
THS an unrestricted right to death for legal adults
ILNU Pre UADC · Open_Final
THW allow for paper abortions in jurisdictions where abortion is legal
Smart Debates · 4
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A paper abortion is a legal abortion that allows a father to cut all obligations they have to a child (e.g. legal and financial). In return they lose all legal rights to the kid including visitation and custody.
THW hold pharmaceutical companies criminally liable for the opioid crisis
Visayas Debate Open · 1
THR the stigmitisation of outsourcing eldercare in Asian societies
Visayas Debate Open · 2
THBT it is legitimate for countries to engage in "Vaccine Nationalism"
Visayas Debate Open · Open_Final
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Vaccine nationalism is when governments sign agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers within their country to supply their own populations with vaccines ahead of them becoming available for other countries.
When allocating COVID-19 vaccines, THW significantly deprioritise people who have failed to comply with COVID-19 regulations* *e.g.: not wearing a mask, not socially distancing, avoiding travel restrictions
Pre-Korea Worlds · 1
THBT Government agencies that regulate vaccines should only test whether a vaccine is safe ,not weather it is effective before approving it for public use
TIB-JUDO Pre Eminence · Open_Final
THW abolish pharmaceutical patents in favour of subsidies, tax breaks and public interest grants
Deree Invitational · Open_Semi
TH as Norwegian Nobel Committee will strip Aung Sang Soo kyi of her Nobel Prize.
La Liberta · 4
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Aung Sang Soo Kyi was awarded the Nobel prize In 1991 for her nonviolent struggles for democracy and human rights against a repressive Military Junta. But since the transition to democracy in Mynamar and her party coming to power in 2015, she has been internationally reprimanded for defending the clampdown againt Rohingyas, termed by UN as genocide and internationally recognised as human rights abuses. Under her leadership, Myanmar has also drawn criticism for prosecutions of journalists.However, a point is to be noted that the military still enjoys considerable (25% share) power in the government right now.
TH, as a state, will take a utilitarian approach when making policies to deal with a pandemic.
La Liberta · Open_Quarter
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The Utilitarian approach to morality believes that the moral predicament of any choice is to maximize good results for a large number of people.
THW leave Dharma
Oxford IV · ESL_Quarter
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You are a prominent leader of a religion called ""Dharma"". Similar to many other religions, most of Dharma's followers are conservatives or moderates, with some people being progressives, and a tiny portion being extremists. Upon years of studying scripture, you have come to the conclusion that Dharma is a radical religion. As such, you have lost your faith. You see yourself as having two options. Option A is leaving Dharma. You can speak your truth from a safe refuge and encourage people to leave the religion. Option B is staying. You would continue to serve as a leader and pretend that Dharma is a very progressive religion and attempt to convince your followers as such.
In a country with a National Healthcare plan, THW ban private healthcare
VUBP · Open_Quarter
This House Regrets the narrative that the process of overcoming illnesses (e.g. cancer) is a "fight".
Doxbridge III · 3
THBT authors should remain silent on interpretations of their work after the work has been published
Doxbridge III · Open_Octa
THBT the manager should hand over the employee to the authorities
Malaysia National Intervarsity Debating Championship · 4
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An expat works as a manager in a social enterprise that deals with distributing welfare benefits to local communities in country C. The manager found an employee stealing, and according to company policy, they must hand over the employee to the local authorities. The employee's son has cancer and is in need of money for their surgery. However, the laws of country C states that all acts of stealing is punishable by death. The manager is a strong believer against the death penalty
THBT health care workers should not have the right to strike in times of a pandemic
Huber Debates · 1
Given The Existence Of Technology That Permanently Removes The Ability to Sense Both Pleasure And Pain, THW Use It
Asian High School Debating Championship · Open_Final
This house regrets the characterisation of a set of typical moods as "normal" and mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety) as "abnormal"
Malalysia AW*DC · Open_Semi
THW make charitable status dependent on an evidence-based assessment of the organisation's utility (by an external panel of experts)
Effective Altruism Championship · 2
In times of pandemics, THW significantly the minimum safety and efficacy standards required for the approval of treatments and vaccines * including but not limited to measures such as: waiving medium-term and long-term safety testing, accepting drugs that do not yet show superior outcomes compared to existing treatments, allowing more severe side effects than those that are usually permitted
Effective Altruism Championship · 4
THBT governments should establish and fund a separate healthcare system exclusively run by and for the indigenous people
Luzon Intervarsity XII · Open_Octa
THW REDUCE THE PRISON SENTENCES OF CONVICTS OF SERIOUS CRIMES IF THEY VOLUNTEER FOR CRITICALLY IMPORTANT BUT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS MEDICAL EXPERIMENTS
Shanghai International Debate Open · 1
THW Require adult children to take care of their parents
Shanghai International Debate Open · 5
There exists a device that can ensure its user does not ever experience romantic love again. This process is irreversible. THW allow consenting adults to use the device on themselves.
NTU Pro Ams · 4
THBT class pets do more harm than good
DAV Debate Open · 4
THBT Joe Biden should choose to run on a "Medicare-for-All" platform
St Cats Debate Tournament · 4
THBT Planned Parenthood should heavily prioritise providing health care services at the expense of political advocacy
NAUDC 2020 · 6
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Dr. Leana Wen, the first doctor to head Planned Parenthood, was dismissed in 2019 due to "philosophical differences over the best way to protect reproductive health ... [Wen believed in] being clear that it is not a political issue but a health care one." Wen's decisions included providing online information on chronic illnesses such as diabetes, treatment for pregnant patients suffering addiction, mental health care for postpartum depression, and increasing attention to services like mammograms and non-sexual gynecologial care.
THW ban lifestyle clauses in prenupital agreements
Kyiv Open · 1
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Lifestyle clauses are terms in prenuptial agreements that require a party to pay financial penalties if they violate the clause and end up getting a divorce. Such terms can prohibit a partner from cheating, the division of labour for childcare, the raising of children in a particular religion, the amount of time partners should spend together, or health and lifestyle demands.
THS filial responsibility law
Alsa Ecomp UI · HighSchool_2
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Filial responsibility law obliges adult children to pay for their indigent parents'/relatives' food, clothing, shelter and medical needs. Should the children fail to provide adequately, they allow nursing homes and government agencies to bring legal action to recover the cost of caring for the parents. Adult children can even go to jail in some states if they fail to provide filial support.
This House Would value witness testimonies higher than any material evidence on cases of sexual harassment
Alsa Ecomp UI · HighSchool_Final
THBT government agencies that regulate vaccines should only test whether a vaccine is safe, not whether it is effective, before approving it for public use.
Astana Debate Open · Open_Semi
TH, as an altruistically minded graduate, would follow the 80,000 hours approach to their professional career rather than joining an altruistic organisation
Malaysia ABP · Open_Quarter
THP utilitarianism to deontology
Europe Queer Open · Open_Final
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Deontology refers to a family of normative ethical theories that state that the morality of an action depends on whether that action is intrinsically right or wrong under a set of rules, rather than the consequences of the action. Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that the morality of an action is determined by how well it serves to maximize happiness.
THBT Autonomous machine (vehicles, robots, etc.) companies should develop AI which prioritizes the life and well-being of the owner of the machine and those close to them over that of other humans
IIT Bombay Open · 4
THW support Human Challenge Trials being used to advance medical research
Wolce Pre-ABP · 4
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Human Challenge trials involve intentionally exposing people to illnesses in order to test vaccinations or treatments. This method has been successful for advancing research in certain diseases in the past i.e cholera, typhoid, and malaria.
This house would allow patients suffering from early onset dementia to sign a binding will, stipulating that once their cognitive abilities have deteriorated beyond a certain point, they will be euthanised.
Lund Open 2020 · Open_Semi
THP a world in which it is possible to selectively remove memories
USC IV · 5
TH prefers a world where each believer established their own connection to God, rather than establishing one through organised religion
WSDC 2020 · Octofinals (impromptu) · World Schools Debating Championships

2019 (35 motions)

THBT the development of highly realistic virtual reality technology for recreational use does more harm than good.
Brad Smith Debate Tournament · 3
THS governments donating the organs of an individual after death, even against the wishes of that person or their family
Brad Smith Debate Tournament · 5
THBT governments should stop funding scientific programmes that have no immediate benefit for humankind (such as space travel and exploration, human cloning)
Munich Research Open 2019 · 1
THBT professionals should have the right to refuse to provide their services based on religous grounds.
GWU IV / US Universities Debate Eastern Championship 2019 · Novice_Final
TH, as an Asian American, would not support the suit against Harvard University.
Cornell Novice Nationals 2019 & Cornell IV 2019 · Open_Semis
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There is a law suit against Harvard University to terminate its admission process, which allegedly discriminates against Asian Americans. Harvard claims that this process is simply a form of affirmative action to help admit more disenfranchised communities.. Motion: TH,
THW implement filial responsibility laws
Manchester IV 2019 · 4
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Filial responsibility laws impose obligations on individuals to provide a minimum standard of care for their parents, usually when those parents are elderly or otherwise infirmed. This care can include both financial and emotional support. Motion: THW
THS Prohibit the advertisement of prescription medicine to the general public
Muslim Interscholastic Tournament · 4
THW no longer require parental consent for administering invasive procedures on adolescents (e.g. piercing and tattoos, cosmetic surgery, sex reassignment surgery, etc.)
USUDC 2019 · 2
This House believes that the WHO should adopt a convention which bans the sell of drugs with high resistance tendencies (e.g. antibiotics) to countries which do not comply with WHO guidelines regarding their medical and agricultural use
Cape Town WUDC 2019 · Open_Partial_Double_Octos
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The World Health Organisation has adopted conventions on various health topics which can impose binding regulations on member states.
The House believes that charitable organizations [e.g Omaze] should not be allowed to obtain donations in exchange for the offer of potential prizes.
PAUDC Akofena 2019 · 2
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Omaze is a charitable organisation which works closely with A-list celebrities. Celebrities will ask their followers on social media platforms for charitable donations in exchange for the chance to win a prize. For example, a $20 donation will get you 20 entries towards a draw for a sports car and $20,000 dollars. The more people donate the more entries they will obtain.
This house supports laws that protect the health of fetuses (whose mothers intend to carry them to term).
HWS Round Robin 2019 · 2
THW never allow parents to make medical decisions for their children that contradict the medical consensus.
Ljubljana IV 2019 · 5
th, as the actress would accept the role
FLTRP Training Beijing Debate Open · 4
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you are an African American feminist actress. a famous director offers you a leading role in a movie with many scenes that explicitly sexualize women
This House, as a parent, would allow Vought America to inject their child with Compound V
The Lyceum Debating Championship 2019 · 2
TH rejects the idea of ethical consumption.
Rocky Mountain Championships · Open_Final
THBT it is unethical to have children.
UBC IV 2019 · Novice_Final
THW PROSECUTE LEADERS WHO REFUSE TO IMPLEMENT UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC) POLICIES FOR MENTAL HEALTH CASES AND OTHER PRIMARY HEALTH CARE EMERGENCIES
All-Nigeria Universities Debate Championship 2019 · 7
TH AS GOOGLE WILL ADOPT THE HIPPOCRATIC LICENSE
All-Nigeria Universities Debate Championship 2019 · 9
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Hippocratic license - a derivative of the MIT open source license that prevents software from being used by individuals, corporations or other groups for systems or activities that endanger, harm, or otherwise threaten the physical, mental, economic or general well being of individuals or groups
That we should allow scientific journals to publish anonymous papers.
Easters 2019 · 2
That we should hold pharmaceutical companies liable for harms caused by widespread misuse of their drugs.
Easters 2019 · 3
That we should allow doctors to override Advance Care Directives.
Easters 2019 · 3
That judges should not consider whether evidence was collected legally when deciding to admit it.
Easters 2019 · 6
THW prohibit hospitals from being owned by or affiliated with religious organizations (eg, Catholic hospitals)
Bard IV · 5
THR pop-culture portrayals of people with chronic or life-threatening illnesses (e.g. Five Feet Apart, Me Before You, The Big Sick, Fault in Our Stars, My Sister's Keeper).
Joynt Scroll 2019 · 3
This house supports the right of fiction authors to use a pseudonym and/or remain anonymous.
New Zealand BP Debating Championships 2019 · 4
THW require all health professionals (e.g. doctors, nurses, physical therapists) to render return service in the Philippines upon graduation
4th Mindanao Intervarsity · 2
THW require individuals to seek the approval of their families before their request for assisted suicide is honored
Philippines Intervarsity Debating Championship 2019 · Open_X
THBT the trans community should oppose the advertising of gender confirmation surgery and other medical interventions that deal with gender incongruence
Philippines Intervarsity Debating Championship 2019 · Open_Octa
THW make news reporting on drugs, vaccines, and other related substances subject to the approval of an independent panel of medical experts
Philippines Intervarsity Debating Championship 2019 · 2
TH, as the scientific community, regrets the premium placed on winning the Nobel Prize
Philippines Intervarsity Debating Championship 2019 · 1
THBT all trials should be incorporeal trials
JPDU Spring Tournament · Open_Final
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An "Incorporeal trial" is a regular criminal/civil trial that abolishes physical hearings. The judge and/or jury will still preside over the case with documents and evidence submitted for the purpose of adjudication and sentencing. However, the lawyers, plaintiff and defendant are not physically present. Cross examination will be conducted via written text or voice recordings, and submitted as such.
THBT doctors should not report to the police when they give medical treatments to illegal drug users
JPDU Spring Tournament · Novice_Final
THBT the academia should disallow researchers to submit theses for a certain period of time(e.g. 2 years) when they submit their theses on predatory journals
JPDU Spring Tournament · 1
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Predatory journals are academic journals that demand high listing fee in exchange for lower reviewing standards of academic papers to be accepted.
THBT universities should abolish preferential admission for the wealthy (such as legacy admission, prioritization based on donation)
JPDU Spring Tournament · 1
This House Believes That charities and humanitarian aid organisations should not use images of graphic suffering in their advertising campaigns
WSDC 2019 · Semifinals (impromptu) · World Schools Debating Championships

2018 (31 motions)

This house believes that all states should mandate that research on and use of CRISPR technology be exclusively carried out by institutions funded entirely by the state.
Mexico WUDC 2018 · 6
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CRISPR is currently the only existing technology that allows cheap, fast and targeted gene edition in living organisms. It potentially allows for heritable* changes, though so far very little research on such heritable changes in humans has occurred. * heritable changes are changes that can be passed on from parents to their children.
This house, as a parent of a child with ASPD, would enable and support that child given that child's aims based on their current psychological makeup, instead of trying to make them more empathic.
Mexico WUDC 2018 · Open_Quarters
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Individuals with Anti-Social Personality Disorder (ASPD), formerly known as sociopathy, have a highly reduced ability to feel empathy. People with ASPD do potentially have the ability to feel empathy, and, as with other emotions, their capacity to feel empathy can be increased based on exposure to certain experiences and relationships, yet is unlikely to reach what is considered a "normal" level.
TH supports filial responsibility laws.
York IV · 2
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Filial responsibility laws impose a responsibility upon adult children for the support of their parents when they are less able to support themselves. Often this is done through payments to contribute to a health and welfare plan. Motion: TH
This House believes that State Health Services should allow private companies to run hospitals for profit
Novi Sad EUDC 2018 · 2
This House regrets the increasing trend of popular shows featuring neurodivergence* as the central theme. *Neurodivergence refers to those whose psychology is non standard, e.g. for reasons of mental health, mental disability, etc.
Novi Sad EUDC 2018 · 6
TH AS HOODIE WILL OPT FOR THE PIG'S VALVE
All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC), University of Ilorin 2018 · 4
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Hoodie is a thriving, extreme vegan blogger with an ardent followership. Newly married to the love of her life who loves kids and strongly wishes to have some with her someday, she is in need of a heart surgery which will require her to have either a pig's valve or plastic valve. The plastic valve is permanent but will require drugs that will make reproduction impossible while the pig's valve requires a replacement after every ten years but leaves chances for reproduction.
TH as a person appointed as a medical proxy will be held culpable by the patient upon recovery for decisions opposed to their preferred life choices (ideologies, medical choices etc) but crucial to their recovery
All-Nigeria Universities Debating Championship (ANUDC), University of Ilorin 2018 · Open_Final
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A health care proxy is a document with which a patient appoints an agent to make health care decisions on behalf of them when the patient is medically incapable of making and executing such health care decision. Motion: TH a
You are an innkeeper. It is approximately 0BC. The King has issued an edict requiring all newborns to be handed to his soldiers in pain of death. You know of such a newborn, he is in your inn's stable. You suspect the child may be sacred to your God. This house would hand over the child.
NZ Easters 2018 · 5
This house would enforce surrogacy contracts, even if the surrogate mother refuses after giving birth.
NZ Easters 2018 · 6
This house believes that charities should not accept money from donors they consider immoral.
NZ Easters 2018 · Open_Semis
This House Regrets narratives that glorify the elderly (e.g. "The old know better"; "The old deserve more" etc.)
China BP · 1
This House believes that the Obama administration should have prioritized affordable tertiary education over affordable healthcare
HWS IV 2018 · Open_Semis
This House would remove all health restrictions for prospective adoptive parents
Yale IV 2018 · 4
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In the status quo, parents deemed as 'high risk' for serious illness are unlikely to be allowed to adopt. This includes cancer survivors, MS sufferers, etc.
THW allow for free and open use of CRISPR technology in all medical research.
Huber Debates 2018 · 4
Given the technology to grant immortality exists, it would be treated as a positive right
UCLA IV 2018 · 4
Assuming the technology to significantly alters the body exists (eg, changing memory capacity, limb reinforcements...) thw recognize a right to morphological freedom
Seattle IV 2017 · 4
THW nationalize pharmaceutical research
North America Womxn's and Gender Minorities' Debate Championship 2018 · 5
THW ban non-disclosure agreements in the private sector
North America Womxn's and Gender Minorities' Debate Championship 2018 · Open_Quarters
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A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract between two parties that establishes confidentiality, and there is typically a large financial penalty associated with breaking an NDA. For example, many firms require their employees to sign NDAs that specify they cannot reveal specific information pertaining to their jobs, and some celebrities require individuals to sign NDAs before engaging in sexual intercourse. Motion: THW b
a 2014 study reported that 19% of trans* people were denied health care by their provider due to their gender identity; 28% experienced harassment in a medical setting; 28% postponed care due to discrimination. Currently,there are approximately 6 doctors in the US and 2 in Canada that perform genital reconstruction surgery. Trans* people may have transition-related needs that create dependency on the healthcare system. Motion: THW establish and fund separate health clinics to provide accessible and comprehensive care to trans*gender people
North America Womxn's and Gender Minorities' Debate Championship 2018 · Open_Semis
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Trans*people face barriers to accessing healthcare for both general care and gender-related care: a 20
Assuming we had the technology to be able to perfectly simulate physical and psychological pain (without killing someone), this house would allow convicted criminals to choose to feel the pain of their victims rather than serve their prison sentence
Western Regionals 2018 · Open_Final
This house believes that companies should publish compensation information for all employees
Pan Pacific Debate Championship 2018 · 1
This house believes that Hollywood should blacklist anyone credibly accused of sexual misconduct
Pan Pacific Debate Championship 2018 · 3
Assuming the existence of empathy enhancement drugs, THW ban such drugs*
Riga IV 2018 · 3
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*Drugs that make people more empathetic towards others
TH, as the survivor community, would choose not to.
KCL Open 2018 · ProAm_Final
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The earth has been devastated by an environmental cataslysm. Nearly all of the human population is gone, government and infrastructure is functionally non-existent, and life is harsh. A small survivor community persists, with just enough numbers to reliably carry on the human race.
THW take the Blue Pill (to forget)
Nottingham Trent Open 2018 · 1
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You live in present day UK. You are a well off individual with a job and disposable income. One day, you are informed that the world you think that you live in is a lie, an elaborate computer simulation and that you have never experienced the real world. You are not informed what the real world looks like. You are given the following choice:
Given a way to measure an individual's empathy, This House Would only allow individuals with high levels of empathy for people beyond their immediate circles, to vote in the election.
Macau Tournament of Champions BP IV · 3
THBT Ireland should allow individual doctors, practitioners and medical institutions the right to opt out of new laws permitting abortion on the basis of conscience
Newcastle Mixed Doubles · 2
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Last month, Ireland's referendum on legalizing abortion passed with 66% of the votes. Legislation is being drafted that would require institutions to provide abortion services up to 12 weeks into pregnancy, and in extreme cases, up to 24 weeks. Some hospitals have expressed discomfort at not being allowed to opt out of performing abortions - e.g. Catholic institutions like the National Maternity Hospital at St. Vincent's and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital
THW recentralise the Philippine Health System
Philippines Intervarsity Debating Championship 2018 · 3
THBT the course of treatment for children suffering from extremely rare and severely understudied diseases should ultimately be decided by the state and not the parents
Philippines Intervarsity Debating Championship 2018 · 3
THBT the state should invest in basic health infrastructure over investing in medical research
Philippines Intervarsity Debating Championship 2018 · 3
This House Believes That democratic states should not own or run media organisations
WSDC 2018 · Partial Double Octofinals (impromptu) · World Schools Debating Championships

2017 (24 motions)

THW allow major medical charities and providers (e.g. Cancer Research, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Irish Heart Foundation) to sue media outlets and organisations who share incomplete, incorrect or misleading medical information.
Galway Open 2017 · 2
thbt public health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control, should be given the power to quarantine individuals involuntary who they suspect are ill with highly contagious diseases
cornell novice nationals and tournament of love · 4
This house regrets the social perception that ADHD is an illness, as opposed to a personality trait
Leiden Open · 3
This house supports deaf parents' choice to deafen their children in utero.
North American Women & Gender Minorities Debating Championship · 1
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A pill containing a modified form of the rubella virus can be taken by pregnant women which will stunt the development of the fetus's inner ear, leaving the fetus deaf. There are no other effects of this pill. Motion: Thi
This house supports the government suing meat producers/distributors to recover health care and environmental costs incurred by meat consumption.
North American Women & Gender Minorities Debating Championship · 2
This house would prefer a world in which we never found out that Joseph Boyden has no Indigenous heritage.
North American Women & Gender Minorities Debating Championship · Open_Semis
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Joseph Boyden is a critically-acclaimed Canadian writer who identifies publicly as Indigenous. Boyden has received support from Indigenous and non-Indingeous communities for his writing about the experiences of Indigenous people. He has accepted awards for Indigenous people. It has recently been discovered that while Joseph Boyden truly believes he has " native roots," he is known to have no Indigenous heritage. Motion: This
In places with significantly high waiting times for finding appropriate donors, THW legalize the private sale of organs
Empire Debates · 5
This House Believes That Israel Should Fine Actors Who Refuse To Perform In Settlements
PEP IV 2017 · 2
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All theaters in Israel receive huge governmental subsidies. Theater companies are required to tour the entire country. Motion: Thi
TH, as Arturo di Modica, would discontinue the loan of the Charging Bull to New York City
Trinity Open · 4
THBT children have a right to know who their biological parents are (e.g. adoptees, children of reproductive donors, children of estranged parents)
Brad Smith Debate Tournament · Open_Semis
THBT the administration of professional licensure examinations should be in the hands of the private sector instead of the government
La Salle IV · 1
THBT Pharmaceutical companies should be held civilly liable for the opiate crisis
Hart House IV 2017 · 2
This House believes that the costs of autonomous technologies outweigh the benefits.
Penguin Invitational at Dominican University · 3
THW prohibit non-disclosure agreements tied to the settlement of civil lawsuits.
Penguin Invitational at Dominican University · 4
This House Would remove all criminal penalties for knowingly exposing partners to HIV
NEAO 2017 · 6
- very severe dementia; - vegetative state etc. Advanced directives are irreversible - they remain binding. NON-voluntary euthanasia is NOT INvoluntary euthanasia. It merely means that no EXPLICIT CONSENT is granted at the time. " Motion: This House Would legalize advanced directives requesting non-voluntary euthanasia for oneself
NEAO 2017 · ESL_Final
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An advanced directive is a legal document signed by an individual that determines the treatment or care they wish to receive or not receive if they become unable to undertake medical decisions - due to conditions SUCH AS: - v 24/11/2017 Europe Germany 0 Munich Open 2017 Melda Eren, Paul Smith, Sharmila Parmanand, Dee Courtney https://www.facebook.com/events/105332860168865/?active_tab=discussion 1 1 THW ban zero-hour contracts A zero-hour contract is a type of contract between an employer and a worker, where the employer is not obliged to provide any minimum working hours, while the worker is not obliged to accept any work offered. Motion: THW 24/11/2017 Europe Germany 0 Munich Open 2017 Melda Eren, Paul Smith, Sharmila Parmanand, Dee Courtney https://www.facebook.com/events/105332860168865/?active_tab=discussion 2 2 TH regrets the publicly shaming of people for microaggressions (microaggression refers to a subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a minority or other nondominant group) 24/11/2017 Europe Germany 0 Munich Open 2017 Melda Eren, Paul Smith, Sharmila Parmanand, Dee Courtney https://www.facebook.com/events/105332860168865/?active_tab=discussion 3 3 THBT developing states are better off with elite-led technocratic governments as opposed to democratic governments 24/11/2017 Europe Germany 0 Munich Open 2017 Melda Eren, Paul Smith, Sharmila Parmanand, Dee Courtney https://www.facebook.com/events/105332860168865/?active_tab=discussion 4 4 THBT the US Democratic Party should prioritise the nomination of candidates at all levels of government who favour more radical changes to existing policies and structures over those who are seen as more electable".
THW create and enforce filial responsibility laws
Lund IV · 1
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Filial responsibility laws place a legal obligation upon children to ensure their parents are financially and materially secure in their old age. Motion: THW
This House believes that, when working to preserve rare and endangered species, private entities are more effective than the state.
World Schools Debating Championship, 2017 · 6
This House would legalize commercial surrogacy for profit.
World Schools Debating Championship, 2017 · Open_Partial_Double_Octos
You have a machine that allows you to know when you will die. THW use the machine. - Round 4
NZ Easters 2017 · 4
THBT inquiries into the misconduct of soldiers should only be conducted by people who have at some point been in active service - Semi Final 2
NZ Easters 2017 · Open_Semis
This house believes that Western institutions should neither cooperate with, nor use the data produced by, non-Western medical institutions that do not meet Western standards on human clinical trials
Tallin EUDC 2017 · 7
THW impose a substantially large annual tax on all medical companies who own patents
Hollatz Debates 2017 · Open_Final
THW prevent wealthy individuals from being able to write off charity as tax-deductible.
KL Open Challenge · Open_Quarters

2016 (23 motions)

THBT campaigners for refugee protection should not use pictures displaying the graphic suffering of refugees as part of their advocacy.
Thessaloniki WUDC 2016 · EFL_Final
Assuming the technology to do so easily and safely exists, THW force everyone in society to undergo periodic sex changes.
Thessaloniki WUDC 2016 · Masters_1
You have invented a pill that would compel the user to tell the truth. THW destroy it.
NorthAms · Open_Final
THW Permit The Cloning Of Genius And Extraordinary Individuals For The Good Of The Society
University of Latvia Open · 5
THW genetically engineer major meat animals not to feel pain.
Trinity Women's Open · 3
THW Allow Deaf Parents to Refuse Treatment for Deafness On Behalf of their Children
Trinity IV · 2
Assuming there are actors who fit the criteria: THIS HOUSE BELIEVES That film directors have a moral obligation to cast actors who share key lived experiences with the characters they play.
LSE Open · 3
THR the criminalization of the reckless transmission of sexual infections (e.g. HIV, herpes and gonorrhoea) in England and Wales
Swansea Open · 4
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Reckless transmission of a serious disease constitutes a criminal offence in English and Welsh Law. Reckless transmission occurs when an infected individual is aware of the risk of infecting another and they are careless in their approach to that risk. In 2004 a man was jailed for five years for recklessly infecting two sexual partners with HIV. In 2014 a man was jailed for fourteen months for recklessly infecting his girlfriend with genital herpes. In both circumstances the men had not properly / accurately informed their sexual partners of their sexual health problems. Using a Condom does not preclude the possibility that a person may be found guilty of recklessly transmitting a sexual infection.
THW prefer a world in which people are sedated to experience only mild emotions.
North American Women's (@ Hart House) · Open_Finals
TH rejects the right to privacy.
UL Open 2016 · Open_Final
THW Ban research on genome editing.
Lancaster IV 2016 · 4
THBT it is legitimate to release the unpublished personal memoirs of deceased public figures, even when this is against the express wishes of the individual or their family.
Budapest Open 2016 · 5
This House would provide free, safe drugs to individuals with addictions.
Canadian BP Nationals 2016 · 1
This House believes that it is unethical to bring a new child into this world.
Canadian BP Nationals 2016 · Open_Semis
That we should allow individuals to enter contracts specifying conditions on their relationship e.g. salary level, weight limits, frequency of sex
Durham Australs · 5.3
THW create state-run centres where individuals can purchase and consume psychedelic* drugs *drugs whose primary effect is to alter cognition and perception e.g. LSD and Magic Mushrooms
Warsaw EUDC 2016 · 3
TH supports Iran's extension of the Sharia principle of "an eye for an eye" to the victims of acid attacks
Warsaw EUDC 2016 · Open_Semis
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Recently there has been a high number of acid attacks against women, either due to personal feuds or for their non-conformity to Islamic values. / Iranian courts that are governed by Sharia law ruled that victims have the right to choose to blind their attacker by putting acid in their eye(s). Motion: TH
THW not use scientific data acquired through non-ethical experiments
Istanbul Meridyen Debating Academy · 4
THBT the Right to Rest should be upheld in all public spaces.
Aztec Invitational 2016 · 1
THBT Canada should allow foreigners to access their right to die policy.
Aztec Invitational 2016 · 5
THW not reveal the identity of authors who choose pseudonymity
Hart House IV 2016 · 4
As Adopting Parents, TH would tell its child it is adopted only after its teenage years
Roosevelt Open · 1
TH would ban all non-medical research into the genetics of race (For example, the effect of race on intelligence, morality, etc.)
Roosevelt Open · 2

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