Sexuality And A Severely Brain-Injured Spouse: Case Study
Sexuality and a Severely Brain-Injured Spouse
Ethics: Health Care and Social Responsibility HSC/335
Angela Acreman
March 10, 2014
Susan Morgan
Sexuality and a Severely Brain-Injured Spouse The sexual relationship between a man and woman after a severe brain injury stirs up ethical views from a lot of aspects. It is really hard to tell if the sexual contact was consensual because the woman cannot speak or even move. In this case study I will try to identify the ethical principles and come to a conclusion of what I would do in this decision to keep her at home with her husband or remove her for better medical care. In one of the scholarly commentaries, author Rebecca Dresser mentions the principles of justice. “This case presents two major legal questions. One is whether the law would classify Mr. Z’s actions as sexual assault.” (Dresser, R. 2010). I also have to agree that this couple was legally married and what they did as a couple should not be anyone’s business. There does not seem to be any physical abuse or the doctors would have noted it. The only neglect that I see would be Mr. Z not understanding the consequences of possible pregnancy for his wife and how it would affect her health. I also agree with the authors about the power of touch, believing that it is a form of intimacy and …show more content…
Z stay in her home with her family, but would suggest some kind of professional, medical assistance to help Mr. Z. That way Mrs. Z would be looked after properly and her two older brothers would get the satisfaction that she is getting quality care. I do understand the issue of marital laws and really don’t think that Mrs. Z is in any immediate harm. I would also suggest to Mr. Z the consequences of unprotected sexual activity with his wife and if in the event that she become pregnant again the damage to her health it would
Ethics: Health Care and Social Responsibility HSC/335
Angela Acreman
March 10, 2014
Susan Morgan
Sexuality and a Severely Brain-Injured Spouse The sexual relationship between a man and woman after a severe brain injury stirs up ethical views from a lot of aspects. It is really hard to tell if the sexual contact was consensual because the woman cannot speak or even move. In this case study I will try to identify the ethical principles and come to a conclusion of what I would do in this decision to keep her at home with her husband or remove her for better medical care. In one of the scholarly commentaries, author Rebecca Dresser mentions the principles of justice. “This case presents two major legal questions. One is whether the law would classify Mr. Z’s actions as sexual assault.” (Dresser, R. 2010). I also have to agree that this couple was legally married and what they did as a couple should not be anyone’s business. There does not seem to be any physical abuse or the doctors would have noted it. The only neglect that I see would be Mr. Z not understanding the consequences of possible pregnancy for his wife and how it would affect her health. I also agree with the authors about the power of touch, believing that it is a form of intimacy and …show more content…
Z stay in her home with her family, but would suggest some kind of professional, medical assistance to help Mr. Z. That way Mrs. Z would be looked after properly and her two older brothers would get the satisfaction that she is getting quality care. I do understand the issue of marital laws and really don’t think that Mrs. Z is in any immediate harm. I would also suggest to Mr. Z the consequences of unprotected sexual activity with his wife and if in the event that she become pregnant again the damage to her health it would