Ethics Assignment
Running head: ETHICS ASSIGNMENT
Ethics Assignment
DeVry University
December 4, 2011
Ethics Assignment
What are the ethical considerations of this issue?
There are a few ethical issues here. First, are the healthcare providers avoiding the discussion of this option with the patients because they do not agree with it or see it as an immoral act? Second, why would the catholic hospitals not offer up the treatment as it does not match up with their religion does not agree with it? Either way, there is a moral issues with not offering up the prior treatment for any patient, yet alone a rape victim, as they have all ready had to deal with a traumatic event. It should be their decision, with proper knowledge, whether or not they want to relive that situation for the rest of their lives. There is also an ethical issue with pushing your religious believes on another person, while you are in a position of power. Whether or not, you agree with the treatment option, you still took the oath as a health care provider to provide adequate care to any patient.
What are the legal considerations of this issue?
Based on my previous statement, the legal consideration would be if there is not adequate treatment plan being offered, who is at fault for the aftermath. If there is a child produced due to the rape, it can be argued that there was not an adequate level of care given by emergency room physician. And that physician either chose not to or took it into their own hands to make the choice for someone regarding what is best for them. How can that decision be made for the patient, if they are in sound state of mind
What ethical concepts and principles apply to this issue?
In this case, I could see the following applying: Nonmaleficence, which is the duty of health care workers to do no harm. In this case, it could be argued by not offering treatment, you are harming the victim and possible even the future baby. Autonomy, which is the patients right to
Ethics Assignment
DeVry University
December 4, 2011
Ethics Assignment
What are the ethical considerations of this issue?
There are a few ethical issues here. First, are the healthcare providers avoiding the discussion of this option with the patients because they do not agree with it or see it as an immoral act? Second, why would the catholic hospitals not offer up the treatment as it does not match up with their religion does not agree with it? Either way, there is a moral issues with not offering up the prior treatment for any patient, yet alone a rape victim, as they have all ready had to deal with a traumatic event. It should be their decision, with proper knowledge, whether or not they want to relive that situation for the rest of their lives. There is also an ethical issue with pushing your religious believes on another person, while you are in a position of power. Whether or not, you agree with the treatment option, you still took the oath as a health care provider to provide adequate care to any patient.
What are the legal considerations of this issue?
Based on my previous statement, the legal consideration would be if there is not adequate treatment plan being offered, who is at fault for the aftermath. If there is a child produced due to the rape, it can be argued that there was not an adequate level of care given by emergency room physician. And that physician either chose not to or took it into their own hands to make the choice for someone regarding what is best for them. How can that decision be made for the patient, if they are in sound state of mind
What ethical concepts and principles apply to this issue?
In this case, I could see the following applying: Nonmaleficence, which is the duty of health care workers to do no harm. In this case, it could be argued by not offering treatment, you are harming the victim and possible even the future baby. Autonomy, which is the patients right to
References: Ascension Health (2007) Brownfield v. Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital. Retrieved December 3, 2011. From http://www.ascensionhealth.org/ethics/public/cases/cases_AF.asp Bodenheimer, T., & Grumbach K. (2009). Understanding Health Policy – A Clinical Approach (5th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Smugar, S., Spina, B., & Merz, J. (2000, September). Informed Consent for Emergency Contraception: Variability in Hospital Care of Rape Victims. American Journal of Public Health, 90(9), 1372-1376. Retrieved December 3, 2011, from Academic Search Premier Database.