[go: up one dir, main page]
Scribd
Upload
21 views1 page

Bioethics Non-Maleficence

Non-maleficence is a key principle in bioethics that emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm to others without justification, extending to all sentient beings. Types of harm include experiential pain, dysfunction, loss, and death, with ethical considerations highlighting that harm is only permissible under special circumstances. The document also discusses medical assistance-in-dying practices and concerns related to euthanasia, such as coercion and the potential for misjudgment.

Uploaded by

Isaiah Pascua
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
21 views1 page

Bioethics Non-Maleficence

Non-maleficence is a key principle in bioethics that emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm to others without justification, extending to all sentient beings. Types of harm include experiential pain, dysfunction, loss, and death, with ethical considerations highlighting that harm is only permissible under special circumstances. The document also discusses medical assistance-in-dying practices and concerns related to euthanasia, such as coercion and the potential for misjudgment.

Uploaded by

Isaiah Pascua
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Summary of Non-maleficence in Bioethics

Key Principles of Bioethics


 Autonomy: Respect a person's right to make their own decisions.
 Non-maleficence: Do no harm.
 Beneficence: Act with the intent to do good.
 Justice: Treat everyone fairly and equally.

Non-maleficence
 Definition: Prohibition against causing harm to others without justification.
 Moral Presumption: Extends to all sentient beings, not just humans.
 Justification for Harm: Harm is only permissible with special justification.

Types of Harm
 Experiential Harm: Pain, distress, suffering.
 Dysfunction: Loss of functioning without death.
 Loss/Deprivation: Loss of goods or opportunities.
 Death: Considered a significant harm due to loss of potential life experiences.

Ethical Considerations
 Harm vs. Benefit: Harming someone for no good reason is unethical.
 Special Circumstances:
 Self-defense
 Consent by the harmed individual
 Minor harm to prevent greater harm
 Risk of Harm: Actions that risk harm are also considered unethical.

Medical Assistance-in-Dying
 Modalities:
 Forgoing life support
 Increasing pain medication to relieve suffering (may hasten death)
 Terminal sedation (inducing a coma)
 Physician-assisted suicide (PAS)
 Euthanasia (intentional killing by a physician)

Concerns with Euthanasia


 Coercion: Patients may feel pressured to choose euthanasia.
 Errors: Misjudging a patient's eligibility for euthanasia.
 Slippery Slope: Acceptable practices may lead to morally unacceptable ones.
 Role Morality: Conflicts with the ethical obligations of healthcare providers.

You might also like