Session 5 - Bioethics Framework
Session 5
Bioethics Framework
Bioethics is the study of ethical issues in the fields of medicine, biology, and healthcare. It helps guide doctors, nurses, and researchers to make the right decisions when dealing with patients and medical research. The bioethics framework is based on four main principles:
-
Autonomy:
This means respecting a person's right to make their own decisions about their body and health. For example, a patient has the right to say "yes" or "no" to a treatment after knowing all the facts. -
Non-maleficence:
This means "do no harm." Health professionals must avoid causing injury or suffering to the patient, whether by action or by neglect. -
Beneficence:
This means doing good and acting in the best interest of the patient. Doctors should help patients by giving the best possible care and support. -
Justice:
This means being fair. Everyone should get equal treatment and access to healthcare, no matter their background, wealth, or status.
Case Study: Bioethics Framework in Organ Transplantation
Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure, but it also raises important ethical questions. The bioethics framework, based on four principles—autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice—helps guide ethical decision-making in such cases.
-
Autonomy:
The donor (living or deceased) must give informed consent for organ donation. For example, a living donor must fully understand the risks and voluntarily agree to donate without pressure. In the case of deceased donors, the person's prior consent or the family's wishes must be respected. -
Non-maleficence:
Doctors must avoid harming the donor or recipient. In living donations, special care is taken to ensure the donor’s health is not seriously affected. Surgery risks are minimized through careful planning and medical checks. -
Beneficence:
The main goal is to save or improve the recipient’s life. Organ transplantation should benefit the patient by enhancing their quality of life, reducing suffering, and giving them a better chance of survival. -
Justice:
Organs should be given fairly to those in need, based on medical criteria—not on wealth, social status, or personal connections. There should be equal access to transplant services, and organ allocation must follow fair guidelines.
Example:
A young man agrees to donate a kidney to his brother. The hospital ensures he is well-informed (autonomy), protects him from unnecessary harm (non-maleficence), aims to help both brothers (beneficence), and ensures no one else is unfairly denied the kidney (justice).
This case shows how the bioethics framework supports fair and responsible decisions in organ transplantation.
Here are clear and simple answers to your questions in English:
1. What are the key principles of bioethics?
The four key principles of bioethics are:
-
Autonomy – Respecting a person's right to make their own decisions.
-
Non-maleficence – Avoiding harm to others.
-
Beneficence – Doing good and helping people.
-
Justice – Treating everyone fairly and equally.
2. Why is autonomy important in medical decision-making?
Autonomy is important because every person has the right to choose what happens to their body. Doctors must respect the patient’s choices.
3. Explain the significance of beneficence in healthcare.
Beneficence means doctors and healthcare workers should always try to help the patient, improve their health, and reduce their pain or suffering.
4. How does justice ensure fairness in medical treatments?
Justice means everyone should get equal access to treatment, no matter their background, age, gender, or wealth. It ensures fairness in healthcare.
5. What is informed consent, and why is it important in bioethics?
Informed consent is when a patient agrees to a treatment after knowing all the risks and benefits. It is important because it respects the patient’s autonomy and rights.
6. How can AI improve ethical decision-making in bioethics?
AI can help doctors make better and faster decisions by analyzing data, reducing human mistakes, and supporting fair treatment for all patients.
7. Describe a real-world scenario where non-maleficence is applied.
A doctor avoids doing surgery on an elderly patient because the risks are too high and may cause more harm than good.
8. What role does bioethics play in genetic engineering?
Bioethics helps ensure that genetic engineering is done safely, respects human dignity, avoids harm, and is used fairly without discrimination.
Comments
Post a Comment