bioethical issues Flashcards

(68 cards)

1
Q

A simple health care intervention that can be safely and effectively managed by a wide range of health workers using medication or a surgical procedure

A

abortion

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2
Q

what are the forms of abortion

A

Spontaneous abortion or miscarriages:
- It occurs without medical or
surgical intervention

Therapeutic abortion
- Performed out of medical
necessity

Elective abortion:
- Performed for personal reasons

Intentional and unintentional abortions
*Intentional abortion:
- The deliberate termination of a pregnancy through medical or surgical means
* Unintentional abortion: A pregnancy loss that is not planned or induced

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3
Q

briefly explain the principle of double effect as explained by Atty. Noche:

A

It’s a moral principle used in difficult situations where a single action has two effects:
- One intended good effect
- One unintended harmful effect

ex:
In a pregnancy where the mother’s life is in danger, doctors must try to save both mother and child. But if it’s medically impossible, they
may act to save one as long as they do not directly intend to kill the child.

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4
Q

briefly explain the medical abortion process and risks

A

Process:
1.Take mifepristone in the clinic
2. It will be about 6 to 72 hours after taking mifepristone. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty
3. After taking the 2nd medicine, a lot of cramping will occur followed by heavy bleeding and blood clots coming out of the vagina

Risks:
1. incomplete abortion
2. infection
3. heavy bleeding for 2 hours or more

  • involves taking medications, mifepristone (abortion pill or RU-486), and misoprostol orally
  • it may be used in early pregnancy, and may be used at home
  • it is less invasive than an in-clinic abortion
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5
Q

briefly explain the surgical abortion process and complications

A

Process:
The cervix is gradually widened with rods of increasing size, and a slim tube is then inserted into your uterus. The pregnancy (the fetus and the placenta) is withdrawn with gentle suction. Another instrument called a curette is used to check whether the uterus is empty.

Complications:
1. Hemorrhage
2. Infection
3. Injury to the uterus and cervix

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6
Q

surgical absorption is aka

A

suction aspiration abortion

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7
Q

When is suction aspiration abortion typically done

A

during the first trimester (first 3 months or up to 12 weeks of pregnancy)
- done in the doc’s office w local anesthesia and oral pain-relieving medications

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8
Q

A surgical abortion method used in the second trimester

A

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

Involve extra steps to prepare your cervix:
- Hormone-blocking tablets
- A special device

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9
Q

critiques on abortion

A

“Restricting abortion violates women’s human rights.”
“Abortion is the killing of an innocent life.”
“Abortion devalues the sanctity of life.”

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10
Q

briefly explain pro-life and pro-choice

A

pro-life:
- Opposed to abortion
- Belief that all human life is created equal, regardless of size, level of development, education, and degree of dependency

pro-choice:
- Favoring the legalization of abortion
- Belief in a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body

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11
Q

briefly explain the major concerns of abortion

A

Cultural and Religious Beliefs
Psychological Impact
Socioeconomic and Access Disparities

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12
Q

The practice of ending a life intentionally, usually in situations when the individual is terminally ill, to relieve him/her of pain and suffering

A

Euthanasia
- (Benitez et al., 2018)

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13
Q

Euthanasia is both under destruction of life & sustaining life from the GREEK words eu (good) and thanatosis (death)

A

Euthanasia
- (Binarao, 2021)

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14
Q

what is the other term of Euthanasia

A

mercy killing

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15
Q

briefly explain the types of Euthanasia

A

Voluntary Euthanasia:
- When an individual gives consent to subject himself/herself to a painless death

Non-voluntary Euthanasia:
- When the permission of the
patient to perform the process is unavailable
- ex:
Deep comatose
Neonates born with
significant and major defects

Involuntary Euthanasia:
- When the individual does not give his/her consent

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16
Q
A
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17
Q
A
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18
Q

briefly explain Active/Positive and Passive/Negative Euthanasia

A

Active/Positive Euthanasia:
- actions that speed up the process of dying
- when a medical practitioner introduces an agent that results in the ultimate death of a dying patient
- this may be committed with or without the consent of the dying patient

Passive/Negative Euthanasia:
- no heroic measures taken to preserve life
- this is impliedly recognized in healthcare settings with the use of “Do Not Resuscitate” or “No Code” orders
- closely related too this concept of withholding or withdrawing treatment

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18
Q

briefly explain the Active/Positive Euthanasia on committed with and without consent of the dying patient

A

Committed with consent of the dying patient:
- Medical practitioner gives assistance to a patient who wants to commit suicide to end his/her suffering

Committed without consent of the dying patient:
- Medical practitioner overrides the autonomy and willingness of a dying patient

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18
Q

true or false:
All forms of active euthanasia are prohibited in the PH both on ethical & legal standpoints

A

true

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18
Q

briefly explain the withholding and withdrawing treatment in a Passive/Negative Euthanasia

A

Withholding treatment:
- Decision of the patient or his/her representative to refrain from giving permission for treatment or care

Withdrawing treatment:
- Decision of the patient or his/her representative to discontinue activities or remove forms of patient care

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18
Q

why is Euthanasia not observed in the Philippines

A

due to its ethical & legal complications

  1. Act of the medical practitioner overrides the right of the patient to self-determination
  2. His/her act runs contrary to his/her solemn oath to do no harm
  3. His/her act is not beneficial to his/her patient
  4. His/her act fails to carry his/her duty to preserve life
  5. The act of the medical practitioner is willful & deliberate, with full knowledge that his/her act will cause the death of the patient
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18
Q

what happens if a doctor resorts to mercy killing/ euthanasia w/o patient consent

A

liable for murder

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18
Q

when was active euthanasia legal and in what countries

A

March 2021

(table)
countries:
Netherlands
Belgium
Luxembourg
Canada
Columbia
Spain
New Zealand

*Passive euthanasia is allowed in many countries across the world, India being one of them

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18
what happens if a doctor gives assistant to a dying patient to the extent of doing the act himself/ herself
liable for assisting suicide
18
ethical considerations of euthanasia, based on the three views on the value of human life
Sanctity of life - focus: Life must be preserved at all costs - key ethical principles: Cultural & religious value Inviolability of life - focus: Death may be accepted as a side effect, not intended - key ethical principles: Beneficence Worthwhileness of life - focus: Quality and dignity of life matter - key ethical principles: Respect for Autonomy
18
briefly explain those who practice or advocate for euthanasia
These emphasize personal choice, relief from suffering, and compassionate care: * Autonomy Person, while asking for euthanasia, expresses his/her personal choice * Right to die Euthanasia is not only the expression of a fundamental freedom but also a right one * Unbearable suffering Not every painful process within health care entitles one to ask for euthanasia but only great ongoing pain and suffering
18
briefly explain those who consider euthanasia a human rights violation
This focuses on the inviolability of life, ethical limits of medicine, and the risk to vulnerable groups: * Competence Patients may not be mentally capable of making such a serious decision * Prohibition of killing (Hippocratic Oath) Traditional medical ethics oppose killing patients, even for compassionate reasons * Risk of abuse Fears that euthanasia could be misused
19
what are the critique of the morality of euthanasia
1. divine command theory Actions must follow universal moral duties, not consequences. 2. utilitarianism Euthanasia may be justified if it reduces overall suffering 3. natural law theory (Aquinas) Human life is a fundamental good to be preserved
20
what are the concerns of euthanasia
1. Ethical and Moral Dilemmas Many religious and cultural beliefs hold that life is sacred and only a higher power has the right to end it 2. Risk of Abuse and Exploitation Individuals may be coerced into choosing euthanasia due to external pressures 3. Informed Consent and Mental Capacity Can someone be capable of making an informed, voluntary decision?
21
this involves procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female external genital organs for reasons unrelated to medical treatment
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - usually performed on young girls, often between infancy and adolescence, usually w/o anesthesia or proper medical equipment
22
what are the reasons why FGM continues
cultural tradition marriage prospects regulation of sexual behavior economic factors
23
what are the ethical consideration of FGM
presents numerous ethical conflicts rooted in the clash between cultural tradition and human rights principles. the procedure is usually done to minors who cannot provide informed consent, violating the ethical principle of autonomy
24
briefly explain the different POV on FGM - Human Rights Advocates' Point of View: - Practitioners' Point of View (in FGM-practicing communities)
Human Rights Advocates' Point of View: - They strongly oppose FGM. - They see it as a violation of human rights, especially the rights of girls and women. - Medical professionals say it causes serious health risks and emotional trauma. - International groups (like the UN and WHO) push to end the practice worldwide. Practitioners' Point of View (in FGM-practicing communities): - FGM is often seen as a cultural or religious tradition. - It is believed to help protect a girl’s purity and prepare her for marriage. - Families may think it gives girls a better chance at social acceptance and respect
25
what are the critique of the morality of FGM
1. The practice has lasting effects, including chronic pain, infections, menstrual issues, complications in childbirth, sexual dysfunction, and psychological trauma such as posttraumatic stress disorder 2. Reinforces patriarchal norms that control female sexuality and restrict women’s autonomy. Even in contexts where FGM is accepted, the morality of upholding such harmful traditions is deeply questionable
26
what are the concerns on the morality of FGM
1. Violation of bodily autonomy 2. Infliction of severe physical and psychological harm 3. Gender inequality 4. Mental health issues
27
what is contraception
the act of preventing pregnancy. This can be a device, a medication, a procedure or a behavior. Contraception allows a woman control of her reproductive health and affords the woman the ability to be an active participant in her family planning.
28
what are the types of contraception
barrier methods hormonal methods IUDs natural methods permanent methods emergency contraception
29
briefly explain the ethical considerations on contraceptive use, based on - the World Health Organization (2022) - the United Nations Population Fund (2023) - the Guttmacher Institute (2021)
World Health Organization (2022) 1. Autonomy Every person—regardless of gender—has the right to make decisions about their own body, including whether or not to have children and when to have them. 2. Beneficence (Doing good) Contraceptives help by: - Preventing unplanned pregnancies - Reducing health risks for mothers (especially young girls and older women) - Improving infant health and supporting family well-being United Nations Population Fund (2023) 1. Informed Choice - People should have clear, honest information about how contraceptives work. - They need to understand possible side effects and risks so they can make their own informed decision. Guttmacher Institute (2021) Youth Protection - Young people should have confidential, accurate access to reproductive health services. - The health system should protect their privacy and support their right to reliable information and care.
30
briefly explain the different POV based on WHO and Guttmacher Institute
Supportive Viewpoints (from WHO, 2022): - Contraception helps protect health by reducing unsafe abortions and unplanned pregnancies. - It improves maternal and infant health. - Giving adolescents access to contraception helps prevent teenage pregnancies and supports youth development. Critical Viewpoints (from Guttmacher Institute, 2021): - Some worry that informed consent is lacking—women may not be told about side effects or options. - Others argue that allowing teens to get contraceptives without parental consent may go against family rights and cultural values.
31
what are the major concerns in reproductive health and contraceptive programs based on - WHO - UNFPA - Guttmacher Institute
🔹According to WHO (2022): - Lack of Accountability: Some programs fail to take responsibility for poor practices or unethical methods. - Bodily Integrity: Every person has the right to make choices about their own body without being forced or pressured. 🔹 According to UNFPA (2023): - Overemphasis on Numbers: Some programs focus too much on meeting targets instead of caring about the real needs of people. - Counseling Ethics: Some health workers may pressure people into choosing a certain method instead of giving neutral advice. 🔹 According to Guttmacher Institute (2021): - Structural Racism: Discrimination in healthcare limits access to contraception for marginalized groups. - Stigma: Some users (like teens or unmarried women) face shame or judgment. - Lack of Male Options: There are not enough safe and reliable male contraceptives being developed.
32
briefly explain the ethical justifications and criticism
Ethical Justifications for Contraception: 1. Autonomy and Reproductive Freedom People have the right to choose if and when they want to have children. 2. Public Health Benefits Contraception helps prevent unplanned pregnancies, reduce maternal deaths, and improve overall health. 3. Family Planning Families can prepare better for children, improving economic stability and quality of life Ethical Criticisms of Contraception: 1. Risk of Coercion and Informed Consent Violations Some people may be pressured into using contraception without fully understanding the risks or alternatives. 2. Cultural Alienation Contraceptive use can conflict with cultural or religious values, making some feel disconnected from their community. 3. Unequal Burden on Women Most contraceptive methods are aimed at women, leaving them to carry most of the responsibility and side effects
33
these cells that have the ability to develop into various types of specialized cells in the body. It offers a potential for repairing or replacing damaged tissues.
stem cell
34
it isa process of producing a genetically identical copy of a cell or organism.
cloning types of cloning: 1. Gene Cloning 2. Reproductive Cloning 3. Therapeutic Cloning
35
what is stem cell, cloning
Stem cells are special cells that can become different types of cells in the body (like muscle, nerve, or skin cells). Cloning means creating a copy of something. In therapeutic cloning, scientists try to make a copy of a person’s cells using a method called SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer). How It Works: - Scientists create an embryo using the person's own cells, but do not grow it into a baby. - Instead, they use it to collect stem cells that could one day help repair damaged organs or tissues (for diseases like Parkinson’s or diabetes). *Current Status (Mayo Clinic, 2024): - Therapeutic cloning has not yet succeeded in humans—it’s still being researched. - It has worked in animals, and scientists are still exploring its potential medical uses in peopl
36
37
where do stem cells come from
Embryonic Stem Cells Adult Stem Cells Induce Pluripotent Stem Cells Perinatal Stem Cells
38
what are the ethical considerations in stem cells, cloning
1. Embryo Destruction 2. Informed Consent 3. Therapeutic to Reproductive 4. Expensiveness
39
briefly explain the different viewpoints on stem cell research and cloning Supportive view: - According to Cona, 2025 Critical View: - According to Cona (2025) - According to Cheshire et al. (n.d.) - According to Charitos et al. (2021)
Supportive View (According to Cona, 2025): * Hope for Cures – It could help treat diseases that currently have no cure. * Scientific Progress – Cloning and stem cells help push science forward. * Economic Benefits – It can support the medical and biotech industries. Critical View: According to Cona (2025): * Religious Objections – Groups like the Catholic Church oppose it, seeing it as disrespectful to human life. According to Cheshire et al. (n.d.): * Regulatory Bodies' Opposition – Many countries and organizations restrict or ban cloning for ethical reasons. According to Charitos et al. (2021): * Reproductive Cloning Concerns – Creating a full human clone raises big moral questions. * Risk of Exploitation – People (especially women or the poor) might be taken advantage of for their cells or embryos.
40
briefly explain the critique of the ethics of cloning and stem cell practices
* Supporters argue that if these methods can cure diseases and save lives, it's worth using them—especially when using leftover embryos from IVF, or safer alternatives like adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). * This view follows utilitarian ethics, which means doing what brings the most benefit and reduces the most suffering for the greatest number of people
41
these are are organisms whose genetic material has been altered, unlike natural mating or recombination.
Genetically Modified Organisms ex: GMO crops can be made to resist pests or chemicals, so farmers get more food with fewer harmful pesticides.
42
how are Genetically Modified Organisms used - in the lab - related field
In the Lab: Scientists also use GMOs in research to better understand how living things work. Related Field: This work is part of biotechnology, which uses living things to make useful products—like medicines or better crops.
43
briefly explain the creation of GMOs via Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering means changing the DNA of an organism to give it new traits (like making a plant resistant to bugs). Common Procedures Involved: * Genetic Screening – Checking genes for potential problems or traits. * Genetic Interventions – Directly changing or fixing genes. * Stem Cell Therapy – Using special cells to repair or replace damaged tissues. * In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Creating embryos outside the body, sometimes used with gene editing.
44
what is the purpose of GMOs in the philippines
help fight malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), and to tackle problems like hunger and poverty.
45
what is the milestone of GMOs in the philippines
Milestone 1: Bt Corn The Philippines was the first in Southeast Asia to approve a genetically modified crop—Bt corn—in 2002. Bt corn is engineered to resist pests like the corn borer, helping farmers get better yields without using too many pesticides. Milestone 2: Golden Rice In 2021, the Philippines approved Golden Rice, a genetically modified version of rice that is rich in Vitamin A to fight malnutrition.
46
briefly explain the approved GMO crops in the philippines
1. Bt Eggplant (2022) - Developed by UP Los Baños. - Contains a protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to make it resistant to pests like fruit and shoot borers. Bt Corn (2003) - Engineered to resist the Asiatic corn borer, a major pest. - Produces a natural toxin from Bt, reducing the need for pesticides. - Benefits: Less pesticide use Safer for farmers 3. Golden Rice (Malusog Rice) - Bioengineered to produce beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. - Aims to combat Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) and improve nutrition in the country.
47
what are the ethical considerations in GMOs
according to Sus (2023): Health and Safety Transhumanism Ethical Issues regarding the Environment Patents and Access to Seeds Playing God Social Responsibility and Harm
48
briefly explain the different viewpoints of GMOs - Sus, V. (2023) - Raman, R. (2024)
Sus, V. (2023): Improving Food Quality: Genetic engineering can help make food more nutritious and safer. New Medicines and Treatments: It can also be used to develop new medicines and treatments for diseases. Raman, R. (2024): Pest Control: GMOs can reduce the use of harmful pesticides, which is better for the environment and health. Improved Survival and Yield: Crops are more likely to survive pests and bad weather, leading to greater yield. Increased Nutritional Value: Genetic modifications can make food more nutritious (like Golden Rice). Enhanced Flavor: Some GMOs are designed to taste better, improving the eating experience.
49
what are the critiques of GMOs through different ethical framework
Utilitarianism Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics) Virtue Ethics Justice and Equity Moral Risk
50
what are the major concerns of GMOs
Environmental: Increased use of toxic Herbicides and Pesticides Pleiotropy Contamination of Wild and Organic Crops Safety and Health: Allergens Gene Transfer Outcrossing Unexpected Toxic Compounds Chemical Residue from Herbicides Ethical & Religious: Play God Respect for consumer choice
51
Process of giving an organ or a part of an organ for the purpose of transplantation into another person.
organ donation
52
Involves voluntarily providing blood or its components for transfusion into patients in need
blood donation
53
As the surgical removal of an organ or tissue from a donor either living or deceased that is then transplanted into a recipient suffering from organ failure.
organ donation - According to HRSA (n.d.)
54
Acts in which individuals provide biological material such as organs, tissues, or blood intended for therapeutic use in another individual.
organ and blood donation - According to Beauchamp & Childress (2019)
55
what are the ethical considerations in organ and blood donation
1. Informed Consent 2. Autonomy 3. Non-Maleficence 4. Justice 5. Anti-Exploitation 6. Transparency
56
briefly explain the different views on organ and blood donation
AGREE AND SUPPORTS DONATION * World Health Organization (WHO, 2010): Views organ/ blood donation as a humanitarian act * Beauchamp & Childress (2019): Ethical when based on autonomy, beneficence and informed consent * The Catholic Church (Post-1990 View): Recognizes organ donation as act of charity and love if it respects consent and dignity DISAGREE AND OPPOSES DONATION * Hughes (2000): Opposes unethical practices * Rippon (2014): Argues financial incentives exploit the poor and violate autonomy. * China Tribunal (2019): Report evidence of forced organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience
57
what are the critiques on organ and blood donation
Utilitarian Viewpoint Deontological Perspective Virtue Ethics
58
what are the major concerns of the organ and blood donation
Informed Consent Exploitation of the Poor Organ Trafficking and Illegal Markets Disparities in Allocation Consent in Deceased Donation