Bioethics: Ethical Approaches

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The key idea of the Virtues-Based Approach in bioethics is:

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Focusing on the character and virtues of the moral agent rather than rules or consequences.

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Provide an example of how the Duty- and Rule-Based Approach is applied in research.

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The Duty- and Rule-Based Approach is applied in research by ensuring that all participants give informed consent before participating in a study.

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What are bioethics? What are the key issues?

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Bioethics is the study of ethical issues in medicine, healthcare, and life sciences. It deals with moral questions arising from advancements in biology and technology.

Key Topics in Bioethics:

1. Medical Ethics – Patient rights, doctor-patient relationships, and informed consent.

2. Genetic Ethics – Gene editing, cloning, and genetic privacy.

3. End-of-Life Issues – Euthanasia, palliative care, and assisted suicide.

4. Reproductive Ethics – IVF, surrogacy, and abortion debates.

5. Research Ethics – Human trials, animal testing, and consent in experiments.

6. AI & Healthcare – Ethical use of AI in diagnosis and treatment.

7. Public Health Ethics – Vaccine mandates, healthcare access, and global health policies.

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Example of duty-based approach

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A duty-based approach in bioethics focuses on moral obligations, principles, and rules rather than consequences.

A doctor considering gene editing to cure a genetic disorder (e.g., sickle cell disease) may follow duty-based ethics by:

1. Respecting Human Dignity – Avoiding gene editing on embryos if it alters traits unrelated to health, as tampering with human nature violates moral duty.

2. Following Ethical Guidelines – Adhering to medical codes that prohibit experimental treatments without full safety assurance.

3. Ensuring Informed Consent – Only performing gene editing if the patient (or guardian) fully understands risks and benefits.

4. Avoiding Harm (Non-Maleficence) – Not proceeding with gene editing if long-term effects are unknown, even if potential benefits exist.

In this case, a duty-based ethicist would argue that even if gene editing could help, it must align with ethical principles and obligations, rather than just focusing on good outcomes.

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When analyzing a bioethical issue, different perspectives shape ethical decisions by:

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Offering diverse viewpoints

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Integrity in ethical research

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Adhering to moral and ethical principles - Honest reporting of any procedure conducting during gene-editing

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How is integrity applied in practice according to ethical research principles?

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Ensuring honesty and transparency in data collection and reporting

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Justice in the context of ethical research means:

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Ensuring fairness in the distribution of research benefits and burdens

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How should Justice be applied in practice in ethical research?

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By ensuring fair distribution of benefits and burdens

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Beneficence in ethical research

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Maximizing benefits and minimizing harms