I’m a philosophy professor with expertise in applied ethics, feminist philosophy, and moral philosophy. Some of my research concerns how to understand moral concepts like trust, autonomy, and conscience, and other research focuses on pressing issues in public policy. I’ve had a particular interest in policy matters that deal with the creation or dissolution of families with children. For example, I’ve published work on the provision and use of medically assisted reproduction, on parental licensing or vetting, on conscientious objections by health care professionals to provide reproductive services (e.g., abortions), and on reproductive justice for marginalized social groups.
I’ve been directly involved in policy-making and public debate in Canada on topics that concern my research, including the right of health care professionals to make conscientious objections, public funding for in vitro fertilization, and improvements to our adoption systems. Some of my work on adoption occurred in my capacity as Chair (2016-19) of the Board of Directors for Ontario’s Adoptive Parents Association.
My training in feminist philosophy informs all of my research, teaching, and policy efforts. I’m deeply committed to bringing a feminist lens to the subjects I study and to mentoring the next generation of feminist philosophers and bioethicists.
In recognition for my scholarly contributions and contributions to Canadian public life, I was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2021.
Photo: A. Botterell