Center for Bioethics: Indiana University

Ethics for the future of health and medicine

Founded in 2001, the IU Center for Bioethics is a gathering place for discussion, education, research, and collaboration in bioethics and related fields. Based at the IU School of Medicine, faculty from schools across IU - Indianapolis lead these efforts, guiding healthcare providers and researchers in their work and helping society confront important questions about health, science, and technology.

Resources

The Center hosts talks, publishes a blog, and provides resources and consultations to researchers and others.

Research

Center faculty write and conduct research on bioethics, communication, policy, and other areas.

Education

Center faculty teach bioethics, responsible conduct of research, health law, medical humanities, and related topics.

Blog

Center faculty and staff write accessible short essays on various topics in bioethics, current events, and other various interests.

News from the Center

IHEART Collaborative Recognized by Indiana Business Journal

Friday, May 09, 2025

The iHEART Collaborative (Indianapolis Health Equity, Access, outReach and Treatment) was recently recognized by the Indiana Business Journal for the 2025 Excellence in Health Care Awards, honoring individuals or organizations in the central Indiana health care industry who are making a significant impact on the quality of health care in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.

Amber Comer Presents "Social Darwinism, Nazi Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Bioethics" for Annual Silvers' Lecture

Thursday, April 24, 2025

On Thursday, April 14, we hosted our Annual Silvers' Lecture on Holocaust, Genocide, and Contemporary Bioethics. Our speaker, Amber Comer, presented "Social Darwinism, Nazi Experiments, and the Birth of Modern Bioethics."

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IU Events

TREATs Talk: Heterogeneity in Clinical Research

Thursday, June 12, 2025

12 p.m.—1 p.m.

Join the IU Center for Bioethics for their translational research ethics talk for genetic diversity in clinical research!

Non-IU Events

What Would You Want? Navigating Life, Death, and Organ Donation When the Heart Stops

Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 12 p.m.—Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 1 p.m.

This talk will discuss ethical and legal considerations in prioritizing goals of care while also optimizing DCD in light of technical challenges, technological innovation, and the sociopolitical landscape of organ donation.

Exploring Ethics: To Suffer What We Can't Evade: What is Medicine’s Role in Responding to Suffering?

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 12 p.m.—Thursday, May 22, 2025, 1 p.m.

This event will explore how the elusive concept of suffering shapes medical ethics and practice—and how clinicians can respond with clarity, compassion, and integrity.

The Financialization of Health in the United States

Monday, June 30, 2025, 12 p.m.—Monday, June 30, 2025, 1 p.m.

This talk will explore the financialization of health care is transforming the U.S. health system as financial actors increasingly dictate priorities and practices, raising urgent questions about equity, accountability, and the future of public health.

To Suffer What We Can't Evade: What is Medicine’s Role in Responding to Suffering?

Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 12 p.m.—Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 1 p.m.

What does it mean to truly address suffering in medicine—and why does it matter so deeply? This webinar explores the overlooked history and ethics of suffering in American healthcare, offering new insights for clinicians and bioethicists seeking to navigate this profound human experience.

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