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. 2015 Jul;24(3):323-36.
doi: 10.1017/S0963180114000206. Epub 2014 Jun 17.

The medicalization of love

Brian D Earp, Anders Sandberg, Julian Savulescu

The medicalization of love

Brian D Earp et al. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Pharmaceuticals or other emerging technologies could be used to enhance (or diminish) feelings of lust, attraction, and attachment in adult romantic partnerships. Although such interventions could conceivably be used to promote individual (and couple) well-being, their widespread development and/or adoption might lead to the 'medicalization' of human love and heartache--for some, a source of a serious concern. In this essay, we argue that the medicalization of love need not necessarily be problematic, on balance, but could plausibly be expected to have either good or bad consequences depending upon how it unfolds. By anticipating some of the specific ways in which these technologies could yield unwanted outcomes, bioethicists and others can help to direct the course of love's medicalization--should it happen to occur--more toward the 'good' side than the 'bad.'

Keywords: ethics; love; love drugs; marriage; medicalization; neuroenhancement.

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Comment in

  • Two concerns about the medicalization of love.
    O'Reilly M. O'Reilly M. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2015 Oct;24(4):490-2. doi: 10.1017/S0963180115000158. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2015. PMID: 26364783 No abstract available.
  • A responsibility to chemically help patients with relationships and love?
    Enck GG, Ford J. Enck GG, et al. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2015 Oct;24(4):493-6. doi: 10.1017/S096318011500016X. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2015. PMID: 26364784 No abstract available.
  • Trivial love.
    Macgregor O. Macgregor O. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2015 Oct;24(4):497-500. doi: 10.1017/S0963180115000171. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2015. PMID: 26364785 No abstract available.
  • The Medicalization of Love.
    Earp BD, Sandberg A, Savulescu J. Earp BD, et al. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2016 Oct;25(4):759-71. doi: 10.1017/S0963180116000542. Camb Q Healthc Ethics. 2016. PMID: 27634729

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