MEDICAL ETHICS

Introduction

What is Ethics?

Ethics is a set of moral standards and a code of behavior that governs an individual’s interactions with other individuals and within society.

Morality vs. Ethics

“ Morality” according to Fletcher is what people do infact believe to be right and wrong, while “ethics” is a critical reflection of morality and the rational analysis of it.

e.g. “Should I terminate a pregnancy? “ is a moral question whereas “ how should I go about deciding?” is an ethical concern.

The Origins of the Field and Its Current Status

The Beginnings:

a) The Nuremburg Code, 1946-1949

b) Life Magazine article on dialysis selection committees, November 1962

c) The Declaration of Helsinki 1964- 1975

Earlier Points of Origin:

Babylonian Codes- The code of Hammurabi (1727 B.C.E)

Egyptian Codes

Islamic Codes

Jewish Codes

Hippocratic Code/Oath

Current Status of Medical Ethics 1) Medical Ethics programs in

medical schools, nursing schools etc.

2) Journals, e.g. Hastings Center Report, Journal of Medicine and Philosophy

3) Centers, e.g. Hastings Center, Kennedy Center at Georgetown University, Midwest Bioethics Center, K.C.

4) Rise of Hospital Ethics Committees

5) Massive Media Coverage

Importance of Ethics

1. To understand and follow health care laws

2. To understand the moral structure of our actions both ethically and legally

3. To understand and appreciate the differences in moral reasoning among individuals and groups of individuals

4. Understand and learn from bioethical dilemmas that clients face

5. Understand our own values, morals, and ethical stances

6. Understand the need to confront biases and bigotry

Ethical Issues In Modern Medicine

Many situations arise in the practice of Medicine and in Medical research that present problems requiring moral decisions.

e.g.1. Should a parent have a right

to refuse immunization for his or her child?

2. Is basic health care a right or privilege?

3. Does public safety supersede an individual’s right?

4. Who dictates client care- the client, the physician, the attorney or the medical insurance carrier?

5. Should people suffering from a genetic disease be allowed to have children?

Some Basic Concepts in Medical Ethics

Autonomy

Paternalism

Beneficence

Non- maleficience

Quality of Life

References

1. Principles of medical Ethics by Beauchamp and Childress 8th Edition

2. Resolving Ethical Dilemmas Bernard Lo 5th Edition

3. American Medical Association code of Medical Ethics, 1996