ABSTRACT
Developments in medical technology during the latter part of the twentieth century revitalized the field of biomedical ethics. As the twenty-first century unfolds, broad availability and application of this powerful technology have brought the biomedical ethics dialog foursquare into the public policy-making forum. The issues being deliberated are both organizational and clinical. This article illuminates the questions being debated including political, economic and organizational issues. Specific attention is given to stem-cell research and end-of-life issues. Questions of conflict of interest and decision-making power are raised.
