Bioethics

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Bioethics

• A healthy debate

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Key Terms

• Ethics the principles of conduct governing a
  group or individual
• Morales the difference between right and wrong
  good and bad behavior
• Values ones principles, priorities or standards
• Dilemma when there is no right course of
  action in a certain situation but, instead
  several options, none of which it totally
  acceptable.
• Pro in favor of or for something
• Con against something
• Opinion unproven belief estimation

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So what is bioethics?

• Bioethics are ethical dilemmas which deal with
  biological life. Life that separates the living
  from the non-living.
• We can, but should we?
• Should animals be used in pharmaceutical
  research?
• Should we inject women with hormones that will
  allow them to have children in their sixties?
• Should new life forms be created to try to solve
  world problems such as hunger and pollution?
• Should we allow doctor assisted suicide to hasten
  the death of terminally ill patients?

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Bioethical Principles

• Major Ethical Principles
• Do no harm (nonmaleficence)
• Do good, protect the patient (beneficence)
• Do not violate individual freedom
• Be fair (justice)
• Secondary Ethical Principles
• Tell the truth
• Keep your promise
• Confidentiality
• Principle of proportionality
• Avoid the slippery slope phenomenon

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Some Ethical Questions

• What is a human person?
• What are rights?
• What are my obligations?
• Do each of us in this room agree to the answers
  provided?
• Need to understand that with ethics there is no
  right and wrong answer.

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Decision Making Process

• Decision Making Model
• Identify the question and issue to be explored
• Gather information and state the facts
• Pick a decision to support
• State your decision and cite an authority
• Formulate a rebuttal
• Write up an argument describing the case and your
  decision

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Rules for Debate

• Only 1 person speaks at a time
• Treat each other w/respect
• Seek clarity by asking questions
• Look for gaps in the data
• Keep emotions in check
• You must have a reason not just an opinion
• Be open minded and willing to change

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Case Study 1

• See handout Frank and Martin
• Identify the question and issue
• State the facts of the case
• List all possible decisions
• Gather additional information
• Pick the decision you want to support
• Identify the ethical principle that supports your
  decision
• Identify a supporting authority
• Formulate rebuttal
• Prepare your argument

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Frank and Martin

• Frank is an 11th grade student at a small public
  high school that prides itself on its family
  atmosphere and strong academic reputation. The
  school has an honor code. Each student agrees to
  abide by a published list of rules. One part of
  the code obligates students to report
  observations of fellow students who may be
  cheating. A judiciary council composed primarily
  of students decide what should happen in each
  case. Frank works hard at school. He has a B
  average and hopes to go to a good college. He
  also works part-time, runs track, and helps at
  home with two younger brothers. Both of his
  parents work. Frank is a close friend of Martin.
  Martin is very bright and does well in school,
  although he dos not have to put in as much time
  studying as Frank does. Martin does not have many
  extracurricular activities or responsibilities.
  During a history test, Martin notices that Frank
  appears to be cheating off of a note card

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Top Bioethical Issues

• Embryonic Stem Cells
• DNA Typing
• privacy
• GMOs
• Concerned about safety, FDA oversight, public
  knowledge (labeling)
• Biofuels and impact on corn production
• Concerned about cost of corn and availability of
  farm land

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Other Bioethical Issues

• Gene Therapy
• Concerned about safety
• In vitro fertilization selection
• Patenting Life forms
• Cloning
• Animal research
• Genetic screening
• Drug trials
• Eugenics

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Assignment

• Pick a bioethical issue and write a 1-2 page
  essay on it. The essay should
• Describe the issue/dilemma with relevant facts
• Describe the stakeholders and their priorities
• Describe the alternative views taken
• Describe the solution or stance you take with a
  respectful, convincing argument
• Turn in tomorrow