diff --git a/ccds.json b/ccds.json
index c454221..19e07bd 100644
--- a/ccds.json
+++ b/ccds.json
@@ -26,5 +26,9 @@
         "none",
         "basic"
     ],
+    "ethics_checklist": [
+        "yes",
+        "no",
+     ],
     "open_source_license": ["MIT", "BSD-3-Clause", "No license file"]
 }
diff --git a/hooks/post_gen_project.py b/hooks/post_gen_project.py
index 2c2d611..e2ab9b1 100644
--- a/hooks/post_gen_project.py
+++ b/hooks/post_gen_project.py
@@ -1,4 +1,6 @@
 import os
+from urllib.request import urlretrieve
+
 
 packages = [
     'flake8',
@@ -34,7 +36,7 @@ def write_dependencies():
     if dependencies == 'requirements.txt':
         with open(dependencies, 'w') as f:
             lines = sorted(packages + pip_only_packages)
-            
+
             lines += [
                 ""
                 "-e ."
@@ -75,4 +77,11 @@ def write_dependencies():
             f.write("\n".join(lines))
 
 
-write_dependencies()
\ No newline at end of file
+write_dependencies()
+
+{% if cookiecutter.ethics_checklist == "yes" %}
+urlretrieve(
+    "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/drivendataorg/deon/master/examples/ethics.md",
+    "ethics.md"
+)
+{% endif %}