What is Bioethics?
Bioethics is a field of study that deals with ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including genetic engineering, organ transplantation, end-of-life care, and research ethics.
History of Bioethics
The term ‘bioethics’ was first coined in 1970 by biologists Van Rensselaer Potter and Paul Ramsey. Since then, bioethics has grown into a multidisciplinary field that involves philosophy, medicine, law, and social sciences.
Principles of Bioethics
- Autonomy: Respecting the decisions of individuals regarding their own medical treatment.
- Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient.
- Non-maleficence: Do no harm to the patient.
- Justice: Ensuring fair distribution of healthcare resources.
Examples of Bioethical Issues
One example of a bioethical issue is the debate over embryonic stem cell research. Some argue that it is necessary for scientific progress, while others believe it raises ethical concerns about the destruction of human embryos.
Case Studies
In the case of Jahi McMath, a young girl declared brain dead in 2013, her family fought to keep her on life support. The case raised questions about the definition of death and the rights of families to make medical decisions.
Statistics
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 60% of Americans believe that using gene editing to prevent diseases in babies crosses a line that should not be crossed.
