Assignment:
For this week assignment, write a 1500-word essay addressing each of the following points/questions.
- Describe why there is such a struggle when addressing end-of-life issues
- What are the differences between allowing a patient to die and physician-assisted suicide?
- Discuss the controversy that can occur when considering a patient’s right to know whether a caregiver has AIDS and the caregiver’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
- Describe the distinctions among wrongful birth, wrongful life, and wrongful conception. Discuss the moral dilemmas of these concepts
- Discuss the arguments for and against partial birth abortions
- Discuss why there is controversy over genetic markers and stem cell research
Please combine all of these responses into a single Microsoft Word document for submission. Submit only completed assignments (not partial or “draft” assignments). Be thorough in your responses to adequately address all aspects of each question.
Submit only the assignments corresponding to the module in this section.
Assignment Expectations
Length: 1500 words; answers must thoroughly address the questions in a clear, concise manner.
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA style. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment.
References: Use the appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. Include at least six (6) scholarly sources to support your claims, one for each of the six questions.
Format: Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx).
File name: Name your saved file according to your first initial, last name, and the assignment number (for example, “RHall Assignment 1.docx”)
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the medical field, end-of-life issues, patient rights, abortion, genetic markers and stem cell research are some of the most controversial topics. As a medical professor, it is essential to provide factual and ethical information to medical college students. Therefore, the main objective of this essay is to address these controversial topics with the focus on providing a clear and concise understanding of the issues by presenting different viewpoints based on available scientific and ethical information.
1. Describe why there is such a struggle when addressing end-of-life issues
The end-of-life issues are challenging because they involve complex ethical, medical, emotional, legal and financial issues. Physicians have a responsibility to provide the best medical care, while patients and their families may have differing opinions on what constitutes the best possible care. In some situations, end-of-life decisions may involve withholding or withdrawing treatment, palliative care, hospice care or physician-assisted suicide, which is legal in some states in America. Factors that contribute to the struggle when addressing end-of-life issues such as religious beliefs, moral values, and cultural differences may also influence the decision-making process.
2. What are the differences between allowing a patient to die and physician-assisted suicide?
Allowing a patient to die involves withholding or withdrawing medical treatment in the case of end-of-life care, while physician-assisted suicide involves giving the patient a lethal dose of medication to end their life. The primary difference between the two is that physician-assisted suicide is an affirmative act of ending a patient’s life, whereas allowing a patient to die is an act of omission. Moreover, allowing a patient to die entails keeping the patient comfortable while they die a natural death, while physician-assisted suicide involves the deliberate act of ending the patient’s life.
3. Discuss the controversy that can occur when considering a patient’s right to know whether a caregiver has AIDS and the caregiver’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
The issue of patient confidentiality is essential in medical care, but the right to privacy must be balanced against the patient’s right to know information that may impact their health. A patient’s right to know whether their caregiver has AIDS can be contentious if the caregiver is a healthcare worker, as there is a small risk of transmission to other patients. However, caregivers also have the right to privacy, and healthcare workers with HIV are legally obligated to follow appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of transmission. The key issue is balancing the patient’s right to know with the caregiver’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
4. Describe the distinctions among wrongful birth, wrongful life, and wrongful conception. Discuss the moral dilemmas of these concepts
Wrongful birth is a medical malpractice claim brought by parents who claim that they would not have conceived or given birth to a child had they been appropriately counseled about the child’s medical condition. Wrongful life is a claim brought by a child who contends that, had they been born free of a genetic or congenital defect, they would not have been born at all. Wrongful conception is a legal claim made by parents who were sterilized or using contraception when they became pregnant. The moral dilemmas associated with these concepts include whether parents harbor resentment against a disabled child and whether life itself is, indeed, a harm if there is a clear defect that affects the child’s quality of life.
5. Discuss the arguments for and against partial birth abortions
Partial birth abortion is a term used to describe a late-term abortion procedure where the infant is partially delivered, and the doctor removes the baby’s brain to complete the delivery. Proponents of partial birth abortion argue that it should be available for women whose lives or physical health is in danger or when tests indicate severe fetal abnormalities. Opponents argue that partial birth abortions are morally and ethically wrong because they involve killing a viable fetus instead of delivering the baby prematurely and providing comprehensive medical care.
6. Discuss why there is controversy over genetic markers and stem cell research
The controversy over genetic markers and stem cell research revolves around ethical concerns. Genetic markers are used to identify disease risks, and stem cell research has the potential to cure various diseases. However, some people believe that manipulating stem cells is unethical because it involves killing human embryos. Additionally, there is concern that genetic testing could be used to promote eugenics, and the tests could be used to discriminate against individuals based on their genetic makeup. Despite these arguments, many people believe that the benefits of genetic testing and stem cell research far outweigh the ethical concerns, and these procedures have the potential to make significant contributions to medical science.
Conclusion:
Controversial topics such as end-of-life issues, patient rights, abortion, genetic markers, and stem cell research require a detailed analysis of available scientific and ethical information. Medical professionals will inevitably encounter these sensitive issues, and it is essential to approach them with a clear understanding of the facts and moral principles involved. By addressing these topics accordingly and presenting differing viewpoints in a clear and concise manner, medical college students will be better equipped to handle these complex issues in their future practices.
