Principles of Biomedical Ethics
Answer each of the following questions about how principlism would be applied:
In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, which of the four principles is most pressing in this case? Explain why. (45 points)
| From a Christian Worldview, I believe that the principle of autonomy is the most pressing. Autonomy refers to the ability of patients to make their own decisions regarding their health and medical treatments. In this case, autonomy is seen where Mike decides to forgo temporary dialysis for their son and turn to faith healing service. The parents acted autonomously for their son and placed the health of their son on the fate of their faith. When James condition worsens, his father tends to struggles with the idea of allowing his son through the medical procedure of donating a kidney. He hopes that his faith in God will change the situation.
Patient autonomy is a significant factor in medical decisions. This principle requires respect for the decision making abilities of the autonomous people (Beauchamp & Childress, 2014). In this case, the attending physician held a discussion with the mother regarding the diagnosis, treatment and risk of treatment and the risk without treatment. Mike informed the physician of their decision of not attending the dialysis for some time as they seek God’s healing. They didn’t want to subject their son to multiple cases of dialysis as they believed that their faith in God could do miracles and relieve their son. In a situation where the associated party is a child, the parent assumes the autonomy of making choices for medical treatment. |
In 200-250 words answer the following: According to the Christian worldview, how might a Christian rank the priority of the four principles? Explain why. (45 points)
| Christians will tend to rank to rank the priorities based on their faith. They may rank them as 1) Autonomy; 2) Nonmaleficence; 3) Beneficence; and 4) Justice.
Respect is a key aspect in the Christian faith and the relationship between God and humans. When God created man, he gave him the authority to make his own decisions. As a Christian physician, he is expected to inform and respect the choices of the parents. Under the laws of bioethics, patients have the power to decide the mode of treatment they want and have a right to refuse certain treatments, surgeries, or medications (Tom & James, 2014). The decision may not be in the best interest of the patient, but it is something that medical practitioners must respect. ORDER A PLAGIARISM FREE PAPER NOWThe principle of non-maleficence stipulates that human subjects should not be harmed. This means that nursing practitioners must make the best medical decisions and adhere to the medical rules and regulations and ethics to ensure that patients are safe. The third is the principle of beneficence which is an ethical perspective that involves promoting all that is good. It entails trying to improve the health condition of the patients. The principle of justice campaigns for the equal distribution of benefits and risks of research (Beauchamp & Childress, 2014). In the selection of research subjects both socially and ethically, there must be fair procedures and outcomes. In the context of Christian biblical narrative, I believe that the order of these principles should appear just as they are. Respect for autonomy should appear ahead of other principles. Allowing patients to take part in their care and make their own medical choices is crucial. This gives room for an equal diplomatic approach to the provision of healthcare. Respect for autonomy would be considered first because based on the Christian biblical story of creation, fall, and redemption of man, God allowed us to be on earth and make a choice between the right and wrong. Even though God wants us to choose the right, He gives us the room to choose the path we want to take in life. |
References:
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2014). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
Tom L. & James F. (2014) Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 6th Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 417.
Reilly, D. (2006, Fall). Dr. Dan Reilly Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Vimeo Following Christ’s example, I seek to serve those whose path crosses mine. Retrieved July, 2019, from http://danreilly.ca/
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