Bioethics Club Explores the Ethics of Memory Removal for PTSD

The Bioethics Club recently tackled the complexities of memory erasure for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Inspired by Adithi Jayaraman’s 2019 Bioethics Project paper, “The Million-Dollar Question: Truth or Happiness? The Ethics of Memory Removal Technologies for Patients with PTSD,” club leaders and previous Bioethics Scholars Julianna Abrantes ’26 and Brooke Dambrot ’26 presented background information about PTSD and memory-erasure technology and read a short article. Currently, PTSD patients use techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can reduce their fear responses when revisiting a memory. Scientists are studying whether CBT technology could target a specific fear or association and remove a memory of a traumatic experience for those patients. Scientists stress that memory systems are complex; a single trauma memory is woven into many layers of identity, emotion, and learning. 

The club weighed the ethical implications involved. Members were tasked with discussing the following questions: 

• How will altering someone’s memory impact the person’s true identity?
• Would people feel pressured to “fix” themselves by erasing memories they’re ashamed of?
• How will this sort of technology change what it means to be human?
• What defines humanity?
• How much importance should we give to achieving happiness?
• What counts as a “traumatic” memory, and who gets to decide?

Throughout the discussion, students explored these questions by rooting their answers in the four bioethical principles: beneficent, justice, autonomy, and non-maleficence. When analyzing the case, club members considered that this type of technology may not be equitable, as the cost of it would likely be very expensive, creating a barrier to access. Another concern was the potential for this sort of technology to be exploited such that any person can claim that a memory has a traumatic significance, requesting a removal. Students also said they feel struggle is an important part of the human experience; however, many club members argued that the sheer mental weight of PTSD could be a reason to implement this technology into society. 

Club members encourage you to consider the situation for yourself, contemplating this question: “Just because we can, should we?”