12 Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper

Coming up with an idea for your next research paper does not have to be difficult, just take a look at 12 controversial medical topics for research paper that we prepared to inspire you.

Writing a research paper of any kind can be quite a task. Let alone writing a paper on a controversial topic that you know little about and that causes disagreements. Before we start suggesting controversial medical research topics you can consider for your next research paper, let us first define what controversial topic is. A topic that raises opposing views from different parties is considered to be controversial. This represents quite a challenge as most students have difficulties just finding such a topic, not to mention taking an individual stand on the matter and having something interesting to say about it. It can be hard to find good suggestions, which is what we did in an article on 25 Controversial Debate Topics for College Students, we wrote earlier. Many students will find it to be extremely difficult to come up with well-supported arguments to present in their paper and this can be an issue even with more simple medical research topics for college students.

However, there are many controversial medical topics that spark discussion and opposing views that you may find interesting. This would make it easier for you to take an individual stand and come up with great arguments to present in your research paper. We are aware that the majority of students find it easier to write on an already given topic by their professors, but coming up with a topic yourself can be a challenge you can and will enjoy. Once you find a topic that you like, you can do your research and think of valid arguments to use in your paper. Controversial research topics can be very useful as they may spark interest in related matters. Luckily for us, there is no shortage of such topics as many issues raise discussion in the medical research community. If you try to google anything about abortion, prenatal illnesses, euthanasia, and many other debatable things, you will come across plenty of discussions that even the brightest of minds cannot agree on. Entire organizations are built on these beliefs and people everywhere are fighting to prove a point.

Health research topics that cause some opposing views, like the ones we will mention in our list, are exciting, even though at first you may think that it’s too difficult to write about them. As your work progresses, you will find yourself more into it, and you will be able to enjoy it. Speaking of health topics, we wrote about best debate topics related to health and fitness earlier so you can check it out if you need suggestions. Also, for more interesting health research topics for college students, check out the Health Data Managment’s article.

To help you do a great job on your next research paper, we set out to find some great examples of controversial medical related research topics you can consider for your next assignment. To find them, we visited Medical Daily, Questia, Shaw Davis Writes, and a few others. We singled out 12 controversial medical topics for research paper which have been raising dust for a few years now and ranked them in no particular order.

So, when you’re ready, click Next.

12. Should Marijuana Be Used for Medicinal Purposes?

One of the topics that sparked countless discussions ever since the first states legalized marijuana for medical use continues to be the source for new arguments. What happens if the drug falls into wrong hands? You can answer to this and many other interesting questions while presenting your own opinion based on facts. Tackling a topic like this which deals with controversial medical treatments, definitely requires extensive research so that you can have a well-supported argument.

11. Is Unsafe Sex Dangerous?

Another controversial topic on our list of controversial medical topics for research paper that continues to spark debates is unprotected sex. Unsafe sex is among the top risk factors to health due to many diseases that can easily be transmitted. Every time a person has unprotected sex they are placing themselves at a great risk of catching a serious disease such as AIDS (as the global AIDS epidemic is still spreading). Taking a topic like this for your next research paper can be quite interesting.

10. Is Gluten Free Diet Healthier?

At one moment, there was a reasonable concern that the wheat-based protein cannot be digested in our stomach and in the second, people with no history of celiac disease were switching to gluten-free diets. This made selling gluten-free products one of the most profitable businesses today. People suddenly stopped consuming gluten and claiming it is bad for our health. So is gluten really bad for you? Can a gluten-free diet prevent certain diseases and make you healthier or is it just a trend that refuses to stop? These are all great questions you can answer in your research paper.

9. Is Circumcision Good?

Even though it is a common practice in some cultures, circumcision is still something most men won’t do. The benefits of circumcision have been discussed for a long time, and research shows that it’s actually good for your health and lowers the risk of prostate cancer and other diseases. Despite this, the topic remains somewhat controversial.

8. Is Animal Testing Ethical?

So many animals die so that we can gain medical knowledge and use it to improve our lives. There are so many ways you can use this controversial topic for your next assignment. You can suggest other solutions or present valid arguments why animal testing is not ethical. Anyway, this topic is likely to spark a discussion.

7. Should Prescription Drugs Be Advertised to Consumers?

This is another matter that you can consider for your next research paper. Opinions are usually divided when it comes to advertising prescription drugs directly to consumers, and while some claim they spread valuable information about a product, others think it stimulates the demand for treatments that are not necessary. Pharmaceutical industries claim that they are a source of information, but this information is often misleading and confuses consumers. So what should it be? You can discuss this controversial topic and defend your opinion in your next assignment.

6. Should Abortion Be Illegal?

Up next on our list of controversial medical topics for research paper is this topic which continues to cause opposing views, and while some support a woman’s right to make a choice, others firmly disagree. Should abortion be illegal or is it up to the woman to decide? If you deal with a topic like this in your assignment, you should prepare to answer the many questions you may be asked to defend your opinion.

5. Is Organ Donation a Choice or an Obligation?

Another controversial medical topic on our list of controversial medical topics for research paper you can consider is organ donation. Should we consider organ donation a personal choice or just something we have to do? Is it our moral duty to help those whose lives depend on our organ donation?

4. Should Plastic Surgery Be Banned?

While there are many people who undergo plastic surgery procedures with justified reasons, it seems that many people misuse it for the wrong reasons. There is a tendency to strive for perfection, and young people are hurrying to undergo plastic surgery in order to look flawless or resemble a celebrity they admire. Should plastic surgery be banned because it sends a wrong message to younger generations or should it be praised for helping people with their low self-esteem? This is an interesting topic that you can discuss in your research paper, presenting your opinion with well-supported arguments. And now, let’s see the top three controversial medical topics for research paper.

3. Is Euthanasia a Crime?

The definition of euthanasia, which ranks 3rd on our list of controversial medical topics for research paper, is the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. But is it really a mercy or a crime? There is still much debate about whether euthanasia is murder or not and it is one of the most intriguing ethical, medical, and legal issues today. The three major religions, Catholic, Orthodox, and Islamic agree that euthanasia is a crime and strongly oppose the practice. Euthanasia is legally punishable in some countries, but while it is considered to be murder in some countries, it is perfectly legal in others, provided that prescribed conditions are fulfilled. The debate whether or not euthanasia should be legalized does not subside, and both the supporters and opponents continue to provide strong arguments. This is something to think about.

2. Should Vaccines Be Administered to Children?

One of the most controversial topics of our time concerns vaccination and whether or not it is actually useful. Supposedly, vaccines are given to children to protect them from illnesses, but many parents are against this practice as they believe vaccines can cause serious side-effects. This is certainly a great topic for your next assignment.

1. Should Gender Information During Pregnancy Be Banned?

Even though all the topics mentioned above cause opposing views, the number one on our list of controversial medical topics for research paper will definitely raise some questions. In some countries, it is illegal to determine the sex of the fetus. One of the reasons for this is that many future parents have a gender preference, and gender information during pregnancy can have a negative impact on the mother’s psychological health. In some countries, male children are preferred and so to prevent female feticide, ultrasound examination is banned.