Ethics in Biomedical Engineering

Ethics in Biomedical Engineering

• Biomedical engineers develop life-saving technologies (pacemakers, prosthetics, gene editing).
• Ethical decisions impact patient safety, equity, innovation, and public trust.
• Key considerations involve balancing cost, safety, accessibility, and privacy.

Bioengineering Research on Human Subjects

• Ethical dilemmas exist regarding research oversight. Lax rules harm patients; strict rules may delay lifesaving treatments.

Ethical Frameworks for Decision-Making

• Utilitarianism: prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
• Deontology: focuses on duties and principles, regardless of outcomes.

Bioethical Principles

• Autonomy: respecting patients' right to make decisions regarding their own care.
• Non-Maleficence: avoiding harm.
• Beneficence: acting in the patient's best interest.
• Justice: ensuring fairness in distributing benefits and risks.

Historical Ethical Cases

Nazi Medical Experiments (WWII)

• Conducted on prisoners without consent.
• Key ethical violations: lacked informed consent, deliberately harmed, and exploited vulnerable populations.
• Led to the development of the Nuremberg Code (1947), establishing guidelines for ethical research (informed consent, minimizing risk).

Thalidomide Tragedy (1950s)

• Sedative caused birth defects in ~10,000-20,000 children due to insufficient safety testing before use.
• Key ethical violations: inadequate testing, poor public disclosure, and weak regulatory oversight.
• Resulted in stricter drug regulations (U.S. Kefauver-Harris Amendment).

Tuskegee Syphilis Study (1932-1972)

• Observed untreated syphilis in African American men without informing them or providing treatment.
• Key ethical violations: deception, lack of consent, racial exploitation, and medical racism.
• Led to the development of the Belmont Report (1979), establishing principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

Jesse Gelsinger Case (1999)

• Gene therapy trial participant died due to undisclosed risks and conflicts of interest.
• Key ethical violations: lack of full disclosure, and ethical compromise due to financial ties.
• Triggered stricter oversight of gene therapy trials and conflicts of interest.

Informed Consent and Research Oversight

• Informed Consent: participants must fully understand risks and benefits.
• The Common Rule (1991): outlines requirements for informed consent and research oversight, enhancing protections for vulnerable populations (pregnant women, fetuses, prisoners, children).

Key Ethical Considerations in Clinical Research

• Beneficence, Non-Maleficence, Autonomy, Justice are critical principles.

Justification

• Strong reasoning is important when confronting ethical dilemmas with few clear answers.

Lessons Learned

• Informed consent is essential for ethical research.
• Rigorous oversight prevents harm and builds trust.
• Transparency and accountability maintain public confidence.

This quiz explores the ethical considerations in biomedical engineering, including the implications of emerging technologies on patient safety and equity. Key bioethical principles like autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice will be assessed. Join to understand how ethical frameworks guide decision-making in this vital field.