Dealing in death

Abortion | Venture with Chinese firm raises questions about Minnesota company's core values | Lynn Vincent

Handout/Weigao Group

Medtronic, the world's leading manufacturer of medical technology, issues every new employee a medallion inscribed with the corporate mission that co-founder Earl Bakken hammered out a half-century ago: "Contributing to human welfare by the application of bio-medical engineering to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life."

Now, though, a brewing controversy may test the durability of the Minneapolis-based firm's philosophy when pitted against the benefits of global expansion and politically correct views of abortion.

In December 2007, Medtronic announced a joint venture with Shandong Weigao Group, a leading Chinese medical polymer manufacturer. Medtronic executives felt Weigao's spinal and orthopedic products complemented its own offerings. Also, the deal offered Medtronic a foothold in Asia. "China is key to our global strategy as we continue to expand our geographic footprint," Medtronic president and CEO Bill Hawkins said in a press release.

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February 28, 2009, Vol. 24, No. 4

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