GE2412
BIOETHICS
This module examines the principles of bioethics, focusing on the ethical issues in healthcare, medical
decision-making, and patient rights.
Bioethics vs. Medical Ethics
Bioethics and medical ethics are both related to moral issues in healthcare and science, but they differ in
scope. Bioethics encompasses broader ethical concerns in biology, medicine, technology, and global
health, including genetic engineering, AI, and environmental ethics.
Medical ethics is primarily focused on patient care, doctor-patient relationships, and clinical decisions,
such as informed consent, confidentiality, and end-of-life care.
Common Bioethical Issues
Bioethical issues emerge as science and technology evolve, raising moral and societal concerns.
1. Genetic Engineering and Cloning refer to ethical concerns regarding modifying genes, designer
babies, and cloning.
Example: Scientists utilize gene editing to cure a hereditary disease while ensuring ethical oversight and
transparency.
2. Biotechnology and Human Enhancement refer to ethical dilemmas in using technology to enhance
physical and cognitive abilities.
Example: Athletes use gene therapy to enhance muscle growth, which raises concerns about fairness in
sports.
3. Environmental Bioethics refers to ethical responsibilities in genetic modification, biodiversity
conservation, and sustainability.
Example: Scientists develop drought-resistant crops to address food shortages while considering
environmental impacts.
4. Animal Experimentation balances scientific progress with the humane treatment of animals in
research.
Example: Researchers use alternative testing methods, such as lab-grown tissues, to reduce animal
suffering.
5. Artificial Intelligence in Biological Research refers to ethical concerns about AI’s role in decision-
making and genetic analysis.
Example: AI predicts disease risks based on genetic data, raising concerns about data privacy and consent.
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MEDICAL ETHICS
Medical ethics is about the rules and principles doctors follow to make the right decisions in healthcare.
It comes from the Hippocratic Oath, an ethical pledge that physicians make. It also focuses on being kind,
respecting patients' choices, and ensuring their safety. In general, medical ethics affirms that doctors
make decisions with patients' well-being and fairness.
Four Pillars of Medical Ethics
The four pillars of medical ethics provide a framework for ethical decision-making in medicine. These
principles guide healthcare professionals in their daily activities and interactions with patients.
1. Autonomy means patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions. It is based on the
idea that people can make informed choices about their bodies and treatments. Healthcare providers
must respect a mentally competent and well-informed patient's decisions, even if they personally
disagree.
Key Aspects:
• Securing informed consent before any procedure.
• Honoring a patient’s choice to accept or decline treatment.
• Ensuring patients have all relevant information to make decisions.
Example: A 65-year-old patient refuses cancer surgery after understanding the risks. The doctor disagrees
but respects the informed decision.
2. Beneficence means acting in the best interest of the patient. It requires healthcare providers to take
measures that promote well-being and contribute to the patient's health and recovery.
Key Aspects:
• Offering treatments that enhance patient health.
• Encouraging proactive and preventive healthcare measures.
• Assessing potential benefits and risks of medical interventions.
Example: A doctor prescribes physical therapy for a stroke patient to improve mobility and quality of life.
3. Non-maleficence is the principle of “do no harm”. Healthcare professionals must not cause
unnecessary harm or suffering. They should carefully examine the risks and guarantee that
treatments offer more benefits than harm.
Key Aspects:
• Avoiding unnecessary or excessive treatments.
• Reducing risks and potential side effects.
• Carefully weighing benefits against possible harm.
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Example: A doctor avoids prescribing a strong painkiller with severe side effects for mild pain and opts for
a safer alternative instead.
4. Justice in medical ethics means fairness in healthcare. It ensures all patients get equal treatment,
regardless of background, financial status, or other factors.
Key Aspects:
• Ensuring a fair distribution of healthcare resources.
• Providing equal and unbiased treatment for all patients.
• Promoting accessibility to medical care for everyone.
Example: A hospital provides the same quality treatment to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay
or social status.
References
Bioethics Research Showcase. (n.d.). What is Bioethics?
https://bioethicsarchive.georgetown.edu/bioethicshowcase2015/what-is-bioethics/index.html.
Nineham, L. (2024, October 3). Medical Ethics – The Four Pillars Explained. The Medic Portal.
https://www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/medical-school-interview/medical-ethics/.
TEDS. (n.d.). What is the Difference between Medical Ethics and Bioethics? https://www.tiu.edu/divinity/why-
teds/what-is-the-difference-between-medical-ethics-and-bioethics/.
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