Salesian Center to Host Forum on Developmental Drugs for Dying Patients
The Salesian Center for Faith and Culture at DeSales University presents "Access to Compassion: The Use of Experimental Drugs for Dying Patients," at 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 26 in the White Pavilion in the University Center.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will look at the questions surrounding the debate about whether or not terminal patients should be permitted to gain access to promising experimental medicines that have not yet been approved for safe use by the Food and Drug Administration.
"This is a complicated and heart-wrenching situation particularly for those who have lost loved ones because they couldn't get potentially life-saving, yet still unapproved, medicines," said Father Thomas Dailey, director of the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture. "We will be looking at the topic from several points of view, including: the patient's own liberty and right to self-preservation, the pharmaceutical industry's concern for quality management of their products, the government's interest in ensuring safety for its citizens. When 'compassionate use' and 'drug safety" collide, how do we decide the best course of action for all?"
The panel of experts participating in the forum features Frank Burroughs, president of the Abigail Alliance, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help provide better access to developmental drugs which Burroughs founded following the death of his daughter who he believes would have been helped had she gotten development drugs. Also joining the panel are Suresh G. Nair, M.D., fellowship director, Hematology-Oncology at Lehigh Valley Hospital, and Peter Leonard, PhD, a molecular biologist and president of the Society.
The event is presented by The Baranzano Society, a dialogue group of scholars and professionals who explore the mutual and dynamic interchange between science and religion. The primary focus of the group's work is the investigation of contemporary issues in bioethics, with a view toward promoting critical discernment on the values of human life. Past forum topics have included stem cell research, performance enhancing drugs, end of life issues, plastic surgery and America's obsession with beauty, and the nursing shortage.
Established in 2000, the Salesian Center for Faith and Culture's mission is to promote the interaction of faith and culture through academic initiatives that focus on the authentic integration of social concerns and gospel values. The Salesian Center supports intellectual activity in research, dialogue events, and partnership programs.
Press Release: Salesian Center to Host Forum on Developmental Drugs for Dying Patients | Posted on: 3/21/2007
For more info:
Tom McNamara, Executive Director of Communications
DeSales University | 2255 Station Avenue | Center Valley, PA 18034
610.282.1100 x1219 | Tom.McNamara@desales.edu |
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