The world is facing unprecedented challenges in coping with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The best way forward, internationally, nationally, and locally, will be through implementation of robust public health policies that are based on the latest scientific evidence. With these policies, though, come essential bioethical questions.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Global Poliovirus Surveillance (Zomahoun, Burman, et al..)

Op-Ed: How COVID-19 caused the U.S. to implement universal healthcare(Amy Faith Ho)

The idea of using "Immunity Passports" to give some people special freedoms to move or work has become seriously considered during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the unique situation of a widespread and highly contagious illness, limited effective treatments and or vaccine.  But this approach raises serious legal and ethical concerns.

Queue questions: Ethics of COVID-19 vaccine prioritization (Alberto Giubilini, Julian Savulescu, & Dominic Wilkinson, Bioethics)

Vaccinating Detained Migrants Against SARS-COV-2 - Preventing Another Tragedy(Palacios, Travassos, The New England Journal of Medicine)

Passport to freedom? Immunity passports for COVID-19 (Rebecca Brown, Julian Savulescu, Bridget Williams, & Dominic Wilkinson, Journal of Medical Ethics)

New bioethics questions and challenges arise during a pandemic, including whether to cut corners in design and reporting of research to try to move faster to understanding and cure, and whether to utilize approaches involving human subjects that would not be considered acceptable in other times. 

Funding of Pharmaceutical Innovation During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic(James Robinson, JAMA)

Reporting Clinical Studies Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic: Guidelines for Authors ( Roy Perlis, Sebastien Haneuse, & Gordon Rubenfield, JAMA)

This pandemic is has amplified and transformed the vast health and economic disparities that exist in the US in healthcare and society.  The following articles address why these disparities exist and highlight proposals to counter them. 

Rethinking Wellness in Health Care Amid Rising COVID-19- Associated Emotional Distress (Bryant Adibe, JAMA)

Socioeconomic Disparities in Patient Use of Telehealth During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Surge (Ilaaf Darrat, Samantha Tam, MD, & Marwan Boulis, JAMA)

The tragic history of racial mistreatment and bias in the US has always affected healthcare and research involving people of color. These disparities are now contributing to the disproportionate rates of death faced by Black Americans.

Black Lives and Health Justice (Elizabeth A. Nelson, Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics)

Indiana's Black Death Rates from COVID-19: Institutional Sources of Disparity (Breanca Merritt, Center for Research on Inclusion & Social Policy)