Ethics and Midwifery Ethics

• Ethical Theories are based on the previously explained ethical principles. People usually base their individual choice of ethical theory upon their life experiences.
• Ethics came from the Greek word ethos which means a "characteristic way of acting"
• Ethical Theories are; natural law, deontology, utilitarianism, virtue theory, and rights.
• The two types of utilitarianism are act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism
• Natural Law holds that man should live life according to an inherent human nature.
• Deontology means that a person will follow his or her obligations to another individual or society because upholding one's duty is what is considered ethically correct.
• Utilitarianism basically promotes good or valued ends.
• Act Utilitarianism is a person performs the acts that benefits the most people, regardless of personal feelings or the societal constraints such as laws.
• A rule utilitarianism seeks to benefit the most people but through the fairest and most just means available.
• Virtue Theory judges a person by his character rather than by action that may deviate from his normal behavior. It takes the person's morals, reputation and motivation into account when rating an unusual and irregular behavior that is considered unethical.
• The rights ethical theory are the rights set forth by a society that are protected and given the highest priority.
• The two Division of Ethics are General Ethics and Applied Ethics.
• General ethics refers to all the diverse ethical formulation of general and universal concepts and principles which serve as the foundation of morality.
• General ethics deals with: ultimate end of man, human acts, morality of human acts, law of conscience and virtue.
• Morals deal with the conduct of man the right and wrong behavior of man in his relationship with his fellow men.
• Morality is a speaks of systems of behavior in regards of standards of right and wrong behavior.
• Mores as defined by Robles are customs, beliefs enforced by social pressure.
• Determinants of moral quality of actions are object, circumstances, end or purpose.
• Types of Law of Conscience are; law, conscience, laws of conscience.
• Law is an ordinance of reason promulgated for the common good or to protect the society at large.
• Conscience is a practical judgement of reason upon an individual act as a good, or as evil and to be avoided.
• Laws of Conscience ensure that people cannot forced to facilitate practice or procedures to which they object for reason of conscience.
• Four Cardinal Virtues are: Prudence, Justice, Temperance and Courage
• Capital Virtues are; humility, generosity, chastity, meekness, temperance, kindness and diligence.
• The three theological virtues are faith, hope and charity.
• Human Acts is self determination, both free will and intellect, actions are performed with use of reasons.
• Morality of Human Act is if either adequate knowledge or freedom is lacking in the act of a person.
• Virtue is a good habit that enables us to act according to right reason.
• Bioethics is a common morality theories that are usually based on principles that are used to guide ethical thinking based on a shared moral belief.
• Ethical Frameworks for Decision Making: ethical system and principles, patient's bill of rights, professional code of ethics, institutional policies, laws.
• Principles of Bioethics: autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice
• Ethical Issues: abortion, euthanasia, living wills, donation of organs and the body.
• Abortion is killing of unborn infants.
• Euthanasia is the practice of deliberately easing into death an individual who is suffering a painful or incurable disease or handicap.
• Living wills is a written document which speaks for the patient if he becomes incompetent and helps protect the physician from legal liability.
• Principle that will guide the midwife in her practice; the golden rule, the two fold effect, principle of totality, epikia.
• Epikia means exception to the rule.
• Midwifery ethics it is a system of principle governing conduct of midwives.
• The Code are; midwifery relationships, practice of midwifery, the professional responsibilities of midwives, advancement of midwifery knowledge and practice.