Tag Archives: medical ethics

Hippocratic Resistance: Conscientious Medicine and Strategic Ethics

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Abstract

Conscientious medicine enjoys a long history, with roots reaching back to the Hippocratic Oath. Conscientious objection (CO) as a particular manifestation of such practice carries broader implications for healthcare and society. While patients have the right to decline treatments, they are free to do so for a variety of reasons, even against medical advice (AMA). Healthcare professionals (HCPs), on the other hand, are viewed differently. When it comes to morally questionable interventions, they may be asked to put aside their own convictions out of a sense of obligation or duty. Critics claim that conscientious objection that delays or limits interventions can cause harm. Supporters of conscientious objection argue that there is a growing list of interventions that raise larger questions about the definition of harm and the very nature of humanity. Not only is objection justified in such cases, but it may also be essential to the honest practice of pluralistic medicine. This essay argues that conscientious objection is a defending characteristic of medical ethics as part of the healing identity, with strong historical roots. In addition to safety and policy, conscientious practice acts as an ethical line of defense that has protective qualities for society. Current literature on this topic speaks to the clinical challenges involved with balancing objection and access. This essay uses historical examples going back to Hippocrates to illustrate how respecting individual conscience is strategic for the collective endeavor of medical ethics.

Keywords: Autonomy, Authority, Nonmaleficence, Conscientious, Conscience, Medical Ethics, Integrity, Hippocrates

The Ethics of Uterine Transplant in Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility: A Review of Uterine Transplant Today from the Lens of the Belmont Report

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Abstract

The miracle of childbirth and childrearing has been apparent since the beginning of time. Most women can birth children, and consequently, it is distressing for those who suffer from infertility. Medicine and research have advanced to provide relief from this type of suffering. Previously, absolute uterine factor infertility, or absence of a uterus, has been untreatable. However, advances in surgical and transplant techniques have made uterus transplantation a possibility for this type of infertility. Many risks are involved for women and children throughout the transplantation, pregnancy, and birthing process. As scientists, medical professionals, and Christians, we must ask, do the ends justify the means? This article will review the promises, perils, science, and current statistics of uterine transplantation from the specific view of research ethics. It will analyze the ethical permissibility or impermissibility of continuing research or approving this type of infertility treatment from the lens of the Belmont Report, with additional attention to the Montreal Criteria, traditional transplant ethics, the epistemology of science, the purpose of medicine, the particular view of Christian bioethics, and biomedical ethics. After reviewing these methods with statistical analysis of current research data, it will be perceptible from all presented views, with special attention to the research lens of the Belmont Report and Christian bioethics, that they do not permit uterine transplantation.

Keywords: AUFI, Biomedical Ethics, Christian Bioethics, Infertility, IVF, Medical Ethics, Transplant Ethics, Reproduction, Uterus, Organ Transplantation.

Personal Choices and Future Medical Need

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Question: Should this man with alcoholism be considered for liver transplantation?
Story: Everett is a 62-year-old business executive with a 40-year history of constant moderate alcohol use. He has no history of violence, blackouts, or legal or work problems because of his drinking. It is reported that his wife has also been a problem drinker all during this time, and his two adult daughters are moderate to heavy drinkers. Rather suddenly nine months ago, he suffered liver decompensation. He was stabilized (reluctantly), stopped drinking, and was referred to our liver transplant program.

Reflections on the Doctor in Society

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As we struggle with the implications of in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the question of abortion and the ethics of health care it is essential that we understand the nature of the conflict between good and evil, and are clear as to the basis of our own stand. If there is to be a clear Christian witness in the medical field it can only come from those with an underlying commitment to obey God.