Bioethics

Year 12 Biology U3 + U4

Bioethical CONCEPTS

• Integrity

• Justice

• Beneficence

• Non-maleficence

• Respect

Integrity

upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical standards in decision-making and practice

• E.G: A researcher reporting all results accurately, even if the data doesn’t support their hypothesis

Justice

fair distribution of healthcare resources and equal treatment

• E.G: Ensuring rural and urban populations have equal access to vaccines

Beneficience

acting in the best interest of the person or patient to promote well-being

• E.G: A doctor prescribing medication to relieve a patient’s pain

Non-maleficence

“Do no harm” — avoiding actions that coudl cause unnecessary harm or suffering

• E.G: Not performing a risky surgery if the potential harm outweighs the benefit

Respect

acknowledging the dignity, worth, culture, and values of all individuals

• E.G: A healthcare provider listening to and accomodating a patient’s religious or cultural beliefs during treatment

Approaches to Bioethics

• Consequences-based

• Duty/rules-based

• Virtues-based

Consequences-based

emphasises the surrounding circumstances of an action + sometimes allows individuals to break the rules in order to achieve the GREATEST good

• KEY TERMS → outcomes, benefits, consequences, effects

Duty/rules-based

an action cannot be justified just because it produces good consequences.

• Actions must be follow because of responsibility

• KEY TERMS → obligation, duty, responsibility, commitment

Virtues-based

an action can be justified simply because it is charitable, caring, or good

• KEY TERMS → any reference to virtues (good, honest, caring)