Update 2 | Medical research: an increasingly important part of our work

Institute Update Issue 2 - May 2002

Medical research: an increasingly important part of our work

By Rachel Woodward

Dr Seyi Hotonu is the medical researcher at The Christian Institute. Seyi (pronounced Shey) brings much needed medical expertise to the research that we do. Previously she worked as a doctor, specialising in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and also working in Genito-urinary medicine. She has also recently completed a Master’s Degree in Medical Law and Ethics. Seyi works at the Institute four days a week and continues to work as a doctor part-time.

In the eighteen months that Seyi has been working at the Institute she has been involved in a wide range of issues. Of course, one of the major areas in which Seyi has provided invaluable advice is the pro-life field. From abortion and euthanasia to embryo experiments, cloning, genetic engineering, the siamese twin controversies and contraception – the challenges to the sanctity of life are significant.

Together with providing us with the necessary scientific medical detail surrounding these bioethical issues Seyi has been able to liaise with other Christian organisations to share research expertise.

Seyi has been instrumental in our work against the wider availability of the Morning After Pill. We were able to highlight the medical dangers that girls and women could face when taking this drug as well as looking at its social and moral implications. Tied in with this work Seyi wrote a briefing document outlining the rise in sexually transmitted diseases and the symptoms and effects that these have. Currently she is working on a briefing to help Christian couples understand the pro-life implications of various contraception methods.

Another area in which Seyi has provided crucial medical advice is that of drugs. There is increasing pressure inside and outside the Government to decriminalise cannabis and adopt a harm reduction approach to drug use. At this time it is essential that we provide strong evidence of the harmfulness of drug use and the devastating physical and psychological effects it can have. Seyi has been busy analysing the ever-growing body of medical research in this area.

For a large part of the last twelve months, Seyi has done a great deal of work on adoption. Seyi has also provided medical knowledge of the issues surrounding the physical punishment of children.

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