Eleana's Argument On Autonomy In Healthcare

1. Victoria’s comment on autonomy was helpful in seeing the importance of the role of the doctor. Victoria clarified that the doctor made the right ethical decision because the patient had a clear understanding of the negative impact of not telling her husband Paul or reporting the crime. Thus, Barbara had the mental capacity at the time to make a decision. Furthermore, Victoria gave insight on how individuals in the story had the right to autonomy, however, the doctor needed to respect Barbara’s decision because of the relationship between the physician and patient. This is important because it demonstrates the duty the doctor had to their patient.

2. Eleana’s comments on the grounds of the non-maleficent argument helped illustrate how the
doctor could have eliminated a potential threat. Eleana argued which individual would have the most benefit. For instance, if Barbara reported the crime the father-n-law would not be able to do this heinous act to anyone else. The importance of conducting a non-maleficent approach would help any possible future harm. The beneficial outcome would help not only Barbara but the community as well.