Bioethics A healthy debate

Key Terms Ethics: the principles of conduct governing a group or individual Morales: the difference between right and wrong; good and bad behavior Values: one’s 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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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