You and your fellow experts in psychology and pharmaceutical ethics have been hired to deliver a presentation to the Council on the Quality of Life in Ventura. We have noted that the number of Ventura citizens, in particular children and teenagers, taking legally proscribed drugs for behavioral disorders has vastly increased over the past decade. This raises concerns with us.
The first and foremost ethic of the medical profession comes from the Hippocratic oath: "Do no harm." Yet what is "harmful" or "helpful" is often in dispute, according to a society's ethical standards and practical application. There are new research and new drugs on the market over the past decade, and there are differing points of view (pro- and con-) relating to psychoactive medications. Another person should explain the context of wider medical abuses that took place during the 20th century. In order to make recommendations to the community for action, the Board wishes to understand these various perspectives and make recommendations to the advantage of as many of our citizens as possible.
Being comprised primarily of non-medical professionals, the Council badly needs your input before it makes any recommendations to the community. The Council will rely heavily on you and your group's presentation to provide us with the information and advice necessary to do our jobs. The wisdom of our decision will rest in large part on the quality of information we receive from you.
Good luck! We await eagerly the presentation of your SIG.
Very Truly Yours,
Council on the Quality of Life in Ventura
P.S. Be sure to read this last reminder as you sit down in your groups to start this project!