BIOETHICS MODULES 4,5,6

Sex

Primarily refers to biological attributes (e.g., chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs) distinguishing males and females.

Gender

Refers to socially identified characteristics of men and women, shaped by society and culture.

Gender Identity

How an individual internally identifies their gender, regardless of biological sex.

Gender Expression

How an individual outwardly presents their gender to the world through behavior, clothing, etc.

Heterosexuality

Sexual attraction between individuals of opposite sexes.

Homosexuality

Sexual attraction between individuals of the same sex.

Bisexuality

Sexual attraction to both males and females.

Asexuality

Lack of sexual attraction to others.

Pansexuality

Attraction to people regardless of gender; also known as omnisexuality.

Transgender

A person whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.

Cisgender

A person whose gender identity aligns with their biological sex at birth.

Intersex

Individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit typical male or female definitions.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) containing 23 chromosomes, combining to form a zygote.

Zygote

A single cell formed by the union of sperm and egg; the first stage of human development.

Inviolability of Life

The principle that human life is sacred and must not be violated.

Neurological Theory

Claims life begins when brain wave activity becomes detectable (around 24–27 weeks gestation).

Biological Independence Theory

Life begins when a fetus develops lungs capable of independent life outside the womb.

Metabolic Theory

Argues that life is a continuous process with no distinct beginning point.

Embryological Theory

Life begins when individuality is established post-twinning potential (12–14 days post-fertilization).

Self-Consciousness Theory

Life begins when an individual achieves self-awareness and consciousness.

Artificial Insemination (AI)

Inserting sperm into the reproductive tract by non-coital means for conception.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Fertilizing an egg outside the body and implanting it into the uterus.

Surrogate Motherhood

A woman carries a child for another individual or couple.

Cloning

Creating a genetically identical copy of an organism.

Abortion

Deliberate termination of a pregnancy before viability.

Stem Cell

Undifferentiated cells capable of developing into specialized cells.

Genomics

Study of the entire genome of organisms and how genes interact.

Gene Therapy

Altering genes inside a person’s cells to treat or prevent disease.

Genetic Engineering

Direct manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology.

Human Enhancement

Improvement of human abilities through artificial or technological means.

Death

Defined as the cessation of cardiac, respiratory, and neurological activity.

Dying with Dignity

Allows individuals to make autonomous choices about their end-of-life care.

Brain Stem Death

Irreversible cessation of all brainstem functions; legal standard for death in many countries.

Mechanical Ventilation

Artificial support for breathing, often used to prolong life.

Artificial Nutrition and Hydration

Providing food and fluids by medical means such as feeding tubes or IVs.

Persistent Vegetative State (PVS)

A condition where a patient is awake but not aware due to severe brain damage.

Euthanasia

Intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering; may be voluntary or involuntary.

Voluntary Euthanasia

Euthanasia conducted with the patient’s consent.

Non-voluntary Euthanasia

Euthanasia conducted when the patient is unable to give consent (e.g., in a coma).

Involuntary Euthanasia

Ending a life without the patient's consent, against their will.

Assisted Suicide

When a person is provided the means to end their own life, often by a physician.

Dysthanasia

Excessive prolongation of life through medical means, often resulting in suffering.

Orthothanasia

Allowing natural death without excessive medical intervention.

Palliative Sedation

Administering medications to relieve pain and distress in dying patients.

Advance Directive

Legal documents stating a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in incapacitation.

Living Will

A written statement detailing a person’s wishes about medical treatment in terminal illness.

Durable Power of Attorney

Authorizes another person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

An order instructing medical staff not to perform CPR if the heart or breathing stops.

Informed Consent

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after understanding risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Ethical Decision

A choice guided by moral principles and values.

Effective Decision

A choice that accomplishes a desired result or goal.

Nuremberg Code

Set of research ethics principles for human experimentation established post-WWII.

Declaration of Helsinki

Ethical guidelines for medical research involving human subjects.

Belmont Report

Defines ethical principles and guidelines for research involving human subjects in the U.S.

ICH-GCP Principles

International ethical and scientific standards for clinical trials.

Patient Autonomy

Right of patients to make informed choices about their medical care.

Sanctity of Life

Belief that life is inherently valuable and must be protected.

Comfort Measures

Care provided to ease symptoms and pain rather than to cure.

Proxy Decision-Maker

Person legally appointed to make healthcare decisions for another individual.

Conscientious Objection

Healthcare provider’s refusal to participate in certain procedures due to moral/religious beliefs.

RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act)

Philippine law protecting personal data privacy in public and private sectors.

Data Subject

The individual whose personal data is collected or processed.

Personal Information

Any data that can identify an individual (e.g., name, address).

Sensitive Personal Information

Includes health, genetics, sexual life, religious beliefs, etc.

Privileged Information

Data shared within confidential relationships (e.g., doctor-patient).

Data Processing Agreement (DPA)

A legally binding document between a Personal Information Controller and a Personal Information Processor that outlines the scope, purpose, and limits of processing personal data, ensuring compliance with data privacy laws.

Pseudonymization

Replacing identifying fields with pseudonyms to reduce linkability to individuals.

Anonymization

Removing all personally identifiable information so individuals cannot be identified.

Personal Information Controller (PIC)

Entity that decides why and how personal data is processed.

Personal Information Processor (PIP)

Entity that processes data on behalf of the controller.

Data Sharing

Transfer of personal data between entities with consent.

Data Processing

Any operation performed on data (e.g., storage, modification, deletion).

Transparency

Informing the data subject of how their data will be used.

Legitimate Purpose

Data must be used for lawful, declared reasons.

Proportionality

Only necessary data should be collected and used appropriately.

Availability Breach

Loss or destruction of data affecting availability.

Integrity Breach

Unauthorized data modification or tampering.

Confidentiality Breach

Unauthorized access to or disclosure of personal data.

Right to Be Informed

Data subject’s right to know how their data is used.

Right to Access

Allows individuals to see what personal data is held about them.

Right to Rectification

Allows correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.

Right to Erasure

Allows deletion of personal data under certain conditions.

Right to Data Portability

Allows individuals to obtain and reuse their data across services.

Right to Damages

Compensation for harm caused by data misuse or breach.

Digital Health Ecosystem

Network that uses digital tools to deliver health services securely and efficiently.

Health Information Technology (HIT)

Systems that store, share, and analyze health data to improve care delivery.

CPOE (Computerized Physician Order Entry)

Electronic entry of medical orders to reduce prescription errors.

Big Data in Healthcare

Use of large datasets to improve outcomes and manage population health.

Medical Ethics in Technology

Application of moral principles to digital healthcare practices and innovations.

Ethical Leadership in Healthcare

Guiding health organizations using values like integrity, respect, and transparency.