Bioethics

• Ethics


  Field of knowledge that helps individuals exercise moral judgment and determine what is right and wrong
• Bioethics


  The study of ethical issues pertaining to biology and medicine
• Bioethical issue


  An ethical dilemma pertaining to biology that typically involves a decision–making process between two or more choices or options for an action
• When ethics needs to be considered

  • Before starting an experiment or research project involving human and non-human participants
  • Before trialing a new medicine or treatment
  • Before using a new gene technology (e.g. genetic testing / genetic modification or engineering / gene therapy)
  • When approaching the treatment of patients (e.g. when there are not enough hospital beds or treatment for all patients)
  • When developing laws or codes of conduct
  • When considering what to do about information on individuals
• Ethical concepts


  Unique perspectives or lenses for considering different angles of an ethical dilemma
• Bioethical concepts


  • Integrity
  • Justice
  • Beneficence
  • Non-maleficence
  • Respect
• Integrity


  Encourages a full commitment to knowledge, acting honestly and truthfully, and prioritising an accurate understanding and representation of facts
• Trialing a new cancer treatment on humans

  How can integrity inform bioethical considerations?
• Justice


  Commitment to fairness, encourages consideration of different people's opinions and positions, and prioritises the fair distribution of resources and equal access to benefits
• Trialing a new cancer treatment on humans

  How can justice inform bioethical considerations?
• Beneficence


  Commitment to maximising benefits, encourages individuals to act in a way that benefits others and promotes personal wellbeing and good of other persons
• Trialing a new cancer treatment on humans

  How can beneficence inform bioethical considerations?
• Non-maleficence


  Commitment to minimising harm, encourages individuals to act in ways that remove as much harm as possible
• Trialing a new cancer treatment on humans

  How can non-maleficence inform bioethical considerations?
• Respect


  Commitment to consideration, encourages individuals to consider the value of others, including their personal welfare, beliefs, freedom, and autonomy
• Trialing a new cancer treatment on humans

  How can respect inform bioethical considerations?