Module 10: Code of Ethics (PART 2)

Negative

Forbids us from doing evil (e.g., don’t steal, don’t lie).

Human positive law

Laws made by humans (e.g., by governments or institutions) to regulate society in line with natural and eternal law.

1. Affirmative

2. Negative

3. Human positive Law

Types of Natural Law as presented or forbid an act:

1. The intellectual component

2. The volitive component

Two Components of the Human Act

The intellectual component

This refers to the knowledge and awareness of what we are doing. It includes understanding the nature and consequences of the act.

The volitive component

This is the will part of a human act. It refers to our intention or decision to actually do (or not do) something after understanding it. It shows our freedom and consent to act.

Ethikos

_________ = character

Mos

_______ = custom

Bio

_______ - life (human life)

Ethos

________ - ethics or behavior

Bioethics

BioethicsThe term used to describe the application of ethics to biological science, medicine, and related fields. A systematic study of moral conduct in life sciences and medicine

1. Organ Donation Act

2. Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act

3. Clinical Laboratory Law

4. Philippine Medical Technology Act

The core of bioethics is to assist healthcare providers in reaching sound decisions before introducing any medical intervention to any person at any stage of their life. Example of health health legislations in response to bioethical issues:

(1) Stewardship principle

(2) Totality principle

(3) Double effect principle

(4) Principle of cooperation

Basic Bioethical Principles:

• Do not cheat

• Be loyal

• Be patient

• Always tell the truth

• Be generous

Principles of Morals

The Nuremberg Code

“The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential”.

Comparative Justice

Refers to the balancing the competent interests of individual and groups against one another

Distributive Justice

Refers to the fair distribution of health care services to all.

Principle of Beneficence

It requires that a medical practitioner must act in ways that promote patients welfare. Treatment must be beneficial to patients.

Principles of Respect for Autonomy

means that the patient has the capacity to act intentionally, with understanding, and without controlling influences that would mitigate against a free and voluntary act.