1B Ethics in biology

Classify each of the following as a bioethical approach or a bioethical concept.

Groups:

(a) Bioethical approach

,

(b) Bioethical concept

• Beneficence

• Virtues-based

• Justice

• Respect

• Integrity

• Non-maleficence

• Consequences-based

• Duty/rule-based

Match each of the following approaches to bioethics with the correct description.

• Duty/rule-based approach

• Driven by the individual's character, rather than any fundamental rules or consequences.

• Virtues-based approach

• Driven by a fundamental duty to act in a certain way and follow set rules.

• Consequences-based approach

• Driven by consideration of the likely consequences, trying to maximise positive outcomes and minimise negative effects

Match each of the following ethical concepts with the correct desription.

• Beneficence

• The commitment to consideration, encouraging individuals to consider the value of others, including their welfare, beliefs, freedom and autonomy.

• Integrity

• The commitment to minimising harm, encouraging individuals to act in a way that removes as much harm as possible.

• Non-maleficence

• The commitment to knowledge, encouraging individuals to act honestly and truthfully, especiallty when presenting findings or results.

• Justice

• The commitment to fairness, encouraging consideration of different opinions, especially those of people directly affected.

• Respect

• The commitment to maximising benefits, encouraging individuals to act in a way that benefits others.

Consider the development of a new vaccine by 'Edrolo Lab'. Match each of the following actions with the relevant bioethical concept.

• Integrity

• During human trials to check for vaccine efficiency, Edrolo Lab was sure to gain informed consent from all participants.

• Beneficence

• Edrolo Lab decided to provide free access to their vaccine for people in low socioeconomic communities.

• Respect

• Edrolo Lab decided to publicly release the research and results that went into developing the vaccine.

• Justice

• Edrolo Lab was sure to minimise unnecessary harm to animals used when testing the vaccine.

• Non-maleficence

• Edrolo Lab decided to produce excess vaccines for storage in all hospitals in Victoria.

Consider possible responses from hospitals to the COVID-19 pandemic. Match each one with the relevant biotethical approach.

• Virtue-based approach

• Focusing resources in a first-come-first-served manner, where care is distributed based on when a patient arrives at the hospital.

• Duty/rule-based approach

• Focusing resources on patients who are likely to best recover and respond to treatment.

• Consequence-based approach

• Doctors use their own morals - kindness, fairness and good judgement - to decide how to distribute care.