Ethical Issues on Health 1

Ethical Issues in Health

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Ethical Issues on Health 2

Introduction

Ethics influence healthcare decisions and behaviors for individuals and organizations. "Ethical

Issues in Health" explores the complex relationship between medicine, ethics, and society. This

paper explains healthcare ethics. This post used A balanced perspective to describe distinct moral

systems' arguments. Healthcare decisions are guided by ethical principles, as detailed below.

Readers can better comprehend medical ethics by studying consequentialism and utilitarianism,

two moral frameworks that evaluate actions based on their potential results. We'll explore how

morality-based deontology affects healthcare decisions. Our inquiry will reveal how healthcare

ethics and practice collide. This study also addresses postmodern ethics, which acknowledges

modern ethical flux. Postmodern ethics' influence on healthcare decision-making is crucial in

today's diverse culture with changing norms. Diverse ethical perspectives will spark patient

autonomy, resource allocation, and biotechnology discussions. Moral questions show that

healthcare is scientific and moral. This work gives context and analysis to assist readers in

arguing healthcare ethics. Studying consequentialism, utilitarianism, deontology, and postmodern

ethics helps one understand the complicated moral principles that govern this critical decision-

making.

Moral theories

Understanding "Ethical Issues in Health" entails studying all aspects of healthcare ethics and its

interplay. This inquiry considers moral theories, varied perspectives, and the dynamic nature of

ethical dilemmas in the healthcare industry (Pozgar, 2023). This essay explores numerous moral

systems and provides a solid foundation in healthcare decision-making ethics. Consequentialism

emphasizes morality via results by encouraging healthcare practitioners and politicians to

consider the broader effects of their decisions. When explored, utilitarianism shows how crucial
Ethical Issues on Health 3

it is to maximize the common good, which sometimes requires balancing competing interests in

healthcare. Deontology illuminates moral norms, obligations, and conflicts that develop when

ethics and practicality meet. Postmodern ethics recognizes that values change and that ethical

frameworks must adapt.

Consequentialism: Consequentialism asserts that an action's value depends on its results.

Consequentialism is pertinent to the "Ethical Issues in Health" paradigm because it emphasizes

healthcare decisions' real-world repercussions. Healthcare providers and politicians must

consider patient and public health impacts while making decisions. According to this view,

medical procedures, resource allocation, and policy decisions must be carefully considered

(Gluchman, 2016. p.56). It emphasizes the ethical need for optimal results in healthcare's

complicated and emotional realm.

Utilitarianism: a consequentialist ethical theory that judges morality by maximizing societal

utility. Utilitarianism is vital in "Ethical Issues in Health." because it improves population

welfare. This method provides a framework for resource allocation, public health programs, and

more to help healthcare providers and politicians make ethical decisions prioritizing population

health. However, utilitarianism's focus on results can create ethical issues in public health and

medical decision-making, requiring a detailed examination of fairness, Justice, and individual

rights (Felzmann, 2017. p.37)

Deontology: Deontology says morality is determined by following moral principles and

obligations regardless of outcomes. In "Ethical Issues in Health," deontology provides a coherent

framework for decision-making. Patient autonomy, confidentiality, and candor help healthcare

personnel address ethical issues (Dimitrios et al., 2018 P. 1986). Following one's moral

convictions regardless of the cost provides a systematic foundation for deontological ethics,
Ethical Issues on Health 4

reconciling moral obligations. Its importance resides in its call for ethical behavior in complex

healthcare.

Moral philosophy

Applying moral philosophy to health care requires ethical frameworks in medical decision-

making. When applying consequentialism to health care, medical personnel must weigh the pros

and drawbacks of procedures to optimize well-being. Utilitarianism can be used in public health

policies, policymaking, and resource allocation; healthcare professionals should prioritize

solutions that benefit the most people. Deontology prioritizes informed consent, confidentiality,

and autonomy in patient treatment (Anscombe, 2020, p .223). Moral theories guide healthcare

practitioners through complex decision-making processes that balance patient care, community

concerns, and professional ethics.

Organ transplant

Organ transplantation can save lives, but it raises complex ethical issues. The positives,

according to consequentialists, are saving lives and improving society. Transplant operations,

especially those involving living donors, demonstrate the moral principle of health promotion.

Utilitarianism advocates relocating people to live longer and better lives to maximize happiness.

The disagreement stems from the allocation criterion and organ shortages. Justice is central to

ethical problems since socioeconomic position and geography can affect organ allocation.

Deontological concerns concerning vulnerable populations and autonomy are valid, especially

when obtaining organ donation permission from living donors (Caplan and Purves 2017, p.

798). Organ transplantation's ethical issues outweigh its benefits, raising questions about
Ethical Issues on Health 5

fairness, objectivity, and human value. To negotiate life-saving organ transplantation, moral

theories must be understood.

Important Ethics Concepts: Beneficence emphasizes well-being. Organ transplant surgeons

want to save lives and enhance health. Justice emphasizes fair resource distribution. By

evaluating urgency, appropriateness, and necessity, medical experts strive to allocate organ

transplants fairly. Implementing Medical Principles: Organs are prioritized for medically urgent

patients. Medical practitioners match based on tissue compatibility to increase transplant success.

Healthcare providers demonstrate transparency by disclosing organ donation and transplantation

procedures and standards Kates et al., 2021, P.2641).

Medical Principles Applied: Organs are prioritized for those with the most severe health issues

based on medical necessity. Medical specialists examine possible matches based on several

parameters, including tissue compatibility, to improve transplant outcomes (Lara and Bramstedt,

2023, p. 14408). Medical practitioners who emphasize transparency explain organ distribution

criteria and methods.

Euthanasia

Euthanasia, the voluntary termination of life to end pain and suffering, raises major moral issues.

Euthanasia's capacity to end extreme pain and allow for a dignified death is highlighted by

consequentialism. Allowing end-of-life decisions promotes utilitarian well-being. However,

worries about abuse, ethical developments toward involuntary euthanasia, and life's sacredness

make the matter complex (Keown, 2018). The dichotomy between autonomy and life

preservation highlights the difficulty of applying consequentialist and practical ideas to end-of-
Ethical Issues on Health 6

life issues. Euthanasia discussions demonstrate the complexity of the ethical problems in

healthcare, which must balance human liberty with abuse prevention.

Fundamental Moral Principles: Autonomy recognizes that humans can make life decisions

naturally. Healthcare providers respect patient autonomy while addressing euthanasia,

acknowledging that patients can choose when and how to die. When considering strategies to end

excruciating agony, non-maleficence, or "no harm," is often assumed. To make an informed

judgment, doctors assess the benefits of euthanasia against the hazards of prolonged suffering.

Euthanasia can be considered beneficial if it improves the patient's health and relieves discomfort

(Pesut et al., 2020, p. 162).

Medical Principles Applied: Medical experts employ open and honest communication to ensure

patients comprehend euthanasia. Making educated choices is easy with this strategy. Medical

professionals prioritize palliative care over euthanasia to manage and relieve pain. This strategy

explores all options to give patients the most comfort. Ethics Supervision: Healthcare

practitioners can seek ethical counsel and follow all laws and norms of behavior when

considering or implementing euthanasia (Cuman and Gastmans 2017. p.840).

Informed consent

As a cornerstone of medical ethics, informed consent values patients' decision-making freedom.

Openness, trust, and collaboration may be desirable results of consequentialist medical decision-

making. According to practical ethics, informed consent improves patients' well-being by

allowing them to participate in medical treatment decisions actively. Several issues raise the

dubitability challenge. These include limited knowledge and the inability to obtain emergency

authorization. The delicate balance of giving patients the knowledge they need to make informed
Ethical Issues on Health 7

decisions while preserving their autonomy poses crucial ethical problems. Because it respects

people's right to make health and medical decisions, deontologists believe informed consent is

morally required. To debate these topics, one must evaluate the ethical issues. Informed consent

raises several questions, including the moral obligation to respect voluntariness, the influence of

cultural and linguistic problems, and the power dynamic between healthcare practitioners and

patients (Nijhawan et al., 2013, p 134).

Fundamental Moral Principles: Autonomy is vital in informed consent because it respects the

patient's right to make healthcare decisions. Veracity—honesty—is paramount. Healthcare

providers must ethically give patients accurate and complete information to help them make

decisions. As part of beneficence, informed consent ensures that patients understand the merits

and downsides of medical procedures (Roache, 2014).

Self-Reflective Piece

Talking about moral dilemmas might change your life by making you think about your values.

The ethical issues surrounding organ harvesting and distribution and the conflict between saving

lives and transplantation make it challenging to discuss. I am aware of transplant accessibility

gaps and the moral obligation to address them when considering fairness. Euthanasia discussions

have shown me how complex end-of-life ethical considerations are. The issue of protecting

people's choice to choose a dignified death while preventing abuse has deepened my knowledge

of the complexities of balancing autonomy, beneficence, and the inherent dignity of every human

life. Informed consent requires a difficult balance between respecting patients' independence and

ensuring they understand and are prepared to choose. The author values open medical

communication and believes it is ethical to reconcile patient-provider informational disparities.

Organ transplantation, euthanasia, and informed consent demonstrate healthcare's complex

Ethical Issues on Health 8

ethical dilemmas. Each outcome's ethical implications must be weighed against its benefits. This

emphasizes the importance of careful decision-making. Healthcare ethics is a dynamic

profession; these talks have taught me a lot. I now comprehend the complicated elements of

healthcare ethics and have rethought some of my opinions.

Rights of the individual patient

Healthcare ethics discussions must include patient rights. Rights protect patients' autonomy,

dignity, and well-being and support moral medicine. Understanding and critically assessing

client or patient rights is necessary to study healthcare ethics. Patients' informed consent is

essential to autonomy. Per ethical standards, patients should receive complete information

regarding medical interventions, including risks, benefits, and alternatives. This provision lets

people make honest, autonomous healthcare decisions. Honoring these rights fosters morality

and doctor-patient honesty. Respecting someone's worth and independence underpins privacy

and secrecy. Patients' health records and other personal information are confidential. Medical

professionals must consent to patient disclosure (Cohen and Ezer 2013. p. 7). Healthcare

providers' reputation, which benefits patients and upholds non-maleficence and respect, depends

on this privilege. Every person deserves respect and dignity for their inherent value. Ethics stress

treating patients with dignity regardless of situation or background. Healthcare providers should

respect patients' autonomy, involve them in decision-making, and consider their cultural and

personal beliefs. Upholding this beneficent and reasonable entitlement promotes a compassionate

and equitable healthcare environment (Wiley, 2015, p. 833).

Quality care comprises qualified doctors and high-quality care. Beneficence, which underpins

this privilege, prioritizes patient welfare. Medical staff must be compassionate and use proven

methods. This ensures people receive the best medical care depending on their preferences.
Ethical Issues on Health 9

Morally, doctors must prioritize patient needs and deliver effective treatment. Medical rejection

is ethically based on autonomy. Patients can make health and treatment decisions even if they

disagree with doctors and nurses. This entitlement demands informing patients, respecting their

choices, and actively participating in collaborative decision-making. Healthcare providers should

support ethical refusal of treatment in their guidelines. Patient and client rights are intimately

related to healthcare ethics. The rights to be informed, treated with dignity and respect, receive

quality care and refuse treatment defend autonomy, honesty, respect for others, beneficence, and

Justice. Ethics, patient welfare, and healthcare system credibility depend on recognizing and

preserving these rights (Parsapoor et al., 2014, p. 25).

Individual's responsibilities to themselves, to other patients

Ethics in healthcare involve:

 A person's duty to themselves.

 Other patients.

 Healthcare professionals beyond their well-being.

Ethics and high-quality patient care underpin all of the preceding requirements. Everyone must

morally value health. Autonomy—the ethical right to choose life and happiness—imposes this

requirement. This strategy requires taking prescribed medicine and participating in medical

expert group choices. Active treatment involvement helps ethically improve health outcomes and

maximize healthcare costs. All hospital staff must consider how their activities affect other

patients. Justice and beneficence are linked to ethics. The principles support Safe and caring

healthcare (Hughes, 2017. p. 38). Cooperation, infection prevention, and privacy are examples.
Ethical Issues on Health 10

Everyone must acknowledge the interdependence of healthcare results and promote patient well-

being morally.

Ethics govern all patient-provider relationships. Healthcare personnel must be respected for their

talents and decency. Joining the conversation, presenting accurate symptoms and health history,

and following medical advice are vital. Recognizing healthcare practitioners' various roles and

restrictions, such as time and workload, improves ethics and collaboration. These duties promote

provider-patient respect, trust, and Cooperation. Ethics are essential to healthcare efficiency.

They increase patient outcomes, respect, autonomy, beneficence, and Justice and benefit

everyone. Understanding and executing these ethical commitments creates a collaborative and

compassionate healthcare environment crucial for good medical care (Gabrielsson et al. 2016, p.

438).
Ethical Issues on Health 11

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Anscombe, G.E., 2020. Modern moral philosophy. In The definition of morality (pp. 211-234).

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Caplan, A. and Purves, D., 2017. A quiet revolution in organ transplant ethics. Journal of Medical

Ethics, 43(11), pp.797-800.

Cohen, J. and Ezer, T., 2013. Human rights in patient care: a theoretical and practice framework.

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Cuman, G. and Gastmans, C., 2017. Minors and euthanasia: a systematic review of argument-

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Dimitrios, T., Antigoni, F. and Kotrotsiou, S., 2018. Ethics and deontology in nursing research: A

discussion paper. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 11(3), pp.1982-1989.

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