Ethics Final Review PDF

**Ethical Principles:** [Nonmaleficence:] "do no harm" avoiding actions that could harm the patient - - [Beneficence:] acting in the best interest of the patient to promote well-being - - - [Autonomy:] respect for an individual's right to make their own decisions - - - -...

**Ethical Principles:** [Nonmaleficence:] "do no harm" avoiding actions that could harm the patient - - [Beneficence:] acting in the best interest of the patient to promote well-being - - - [Autonomy:] respect for an individual's right to make their own decisions - - - - [Justice:] fair and equal medical treatments and distribution of resources - - [Fidelity:] loyal and faithful to commitments and responsibilities - - - - - [Veracity]: the obligation to tell the truth - - **Ethical Theories** [Deontological Ethics:] duty-based ethics, Focuses on duties, rules, and obligations, regardless of the consequences. - - - [Teleological Ethics:] Utilitarianism, Decisions are based on outcomes and the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number. - - - [Virtue Ethics:] Emphasizes the character and integrity of the moral agent (the person making the decision). - - - - **Ethical Problems:** [Moral Distress:] feeling constrained from acting on what one believes is right - - - - [Ethical Dilemma:] a situation with two conflicting ethical choices - - - - [Locus of Authority:] determining who has the authority to make decisions - - - - [Moral Repugnance:] feeling ethically opposed to a specific action - - **Legal and Ethical Tools** [Advance Directives]: legal documents expressing a person's wishes regarding medical treatment - - - - [Health Care Proxy:] designates an individual to make decisions on someone's behalf - - [Informed Consent:] ensuring patients understand the risk, benefits, and alternatives of procedures - - - - - [HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act):] ensures patient privacy and confidentiality - - - ### [Privacy:] refers to an individual's right to control access to their personal information, including their physical body, communications, and personal decisions. - ### Patients have the right to decide who can be present during examinations and treatments. - ### Patients can refuse to have a family member in the room during a procedure. - ### However, in some cases (ex: caregiving for a patient with dementia), the caregiver may need to be present for the patient's well-being. [Confidentiality:] the duty to protect private information shared in a trusted relationship from being disclosed without proper consent. - - **Ethical Decision-Making Steps (Doherty's Process)** - [Step 1: Identify the Problem or Issue] - - - [Step 2: Gather Relevant Information] - - - [Step 3: Explore Options and Alternatives] - - - [Step 4: Make a Decision] - - - [Step 5: Act and Assess the Outcomes] - - - [Step 6: Reflect and Evaluate the Decision Process] - - - **Key Terms** [Paternalism:] Overriding a person's autonomy for their perceived benefit. - - - - [Material Cooperation:] Participation in an unethical act that may be permissible under certain conditions. - - - [Compensatory Justice:] Fair distribution of resources to remedy past injustices. - - - [Distributive Justice:] Equitable allocation of resources in a society. - - - [Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD):] A terminally ill, mentally competent adult voluntarily chooses to take prescribed medication to end their life peacefully and on their own terms. - - - - - **Cases** [Elizabeth Bouvia] #### Case Summary: Elizabeth Bouvia, a 26-year-old woman suffering from severe cerebral palsy, experienced significant physical pain and psychological distress due to her condition. In 1983, she requested to have her nasogastric tube removed, with the intention of ending her life, as she felt that her quality of life was severely diminished. The hospital staff refused, citing their obligation to preserve life, leading to a legal battle. The ethical dilemma revolves around the conflict between medical obligations to preserve life and respecting a patient\'s autonomy to refuse life-sustaining treatment. ### Key Ethical Principles: [Autonomy:] The right of individuals to make decisions about their own body and medical treatment. - - [Beneficence:] The obligation to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being. - - [Nonmaleficence:] The obligation to \"do no harm.\" - - [Justice:] Ensuring fairness and equality, particularly in regard to patient rights and autonomy. - - ### Ethical Theories Applied: ### [Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics):] Focuses on duties, rules, and obligations, regardless of the consequences. - ### From a deontological perspective, Bouvia's right to autonomy is paramount. She is entitled to make decisions regarding her own life and body, even if those decisions have consequences that others may view as undesirable. - ### The healthcare providers have a duty to respect her autonomy, even if they disagree with her decision. [Utilitarianism (Teleological Ethics):] Decisions are based on outcomes and the greatest good for the greatest number. - - [Virtue Ethics]: Focuses on the character and integrity of the moral agent (healthcare provider). - Court Result: The principle of patient autonomy was reaffirmed by this groundbreaking case, which underscored the right of competent individuals to make decisions regarding their own medical care, even if those decisions could result in death. [Baby M] #### **Case Summary:** In 1986, Mary Beth Whitehead was hired by William and Elizabeth Stern as a surrogate for their child. The contract stated that once Baby M was born, Whitehead would terminate her maternal rights, and the Sterns would adopt the child, with Whitehead receiving \$10,000. After the birth, Whitehead changed her mind, refused to relinquish Baby M, and fled to Florida with the child. A legal battle ensued to determine custody, with ethical and legal questions about the rights of the birth mother versus the adoptive family. Ultimately, the New Jersey Superior Court upheld the contract, but the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled it unlawful, emphasizing the child's best interests in custody decisions. ### **Key Ethical Principles:** [Locus of Authority:] Determining who has the authority to make decisions regarding the custody of Baby M. - - [Ethical Dilemma:] A situation with two conflicting ethical choices. - - [Beneficence:] Acting in the best interest of the patient (or child, in this case). - - [Justice:] Ensuring fairness and equity in decisions - - [Fidelity:] Loyalty and faithfulness to commitments and responsibilities. - - - **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics):] Focusing on duties and rules, regardless of outcomes. - - [Virtue Ethics:] Focuses on the character and integrity of the decision-maker. - - ### **Court Result:** - - - - **Henrietta Lacks** #### **Case Summary:** Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1951 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Without her knowledge or consent, doctors collected cells from her tumor, which later became known as *HeLa cells*. These cells were found to be immortal, making them invaluable in medical research. HeLa cells contributed to major medical advancements, such as the development of the polio vaccine and cancer treatments. However, Henrietta never knew her cells were being used for research, and her family was unaware for many years. The unethical collection and use of her cells raised serious questions about informed consent, privacy, and autonomy in medical research. ### **Key Ethical Principles:** [Informed Consent:] The process of obtaining explicit permission from a patient before using their tissues or data for research. - - [Privacy and Confidentiality:] The right to control one's personal and genetic information. - - - [Autonomy:] The right of individuals to make decisions regarding their own bodies and medical treatment. - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics):] Focuses on moral duties and rights, regardless of the consequences. - - [Teleological Ethics (Utilitarianism):] Focuses on the consequences of actions and the greatest good for the greatest number. - - [Virtue Ethics:] Focuses on the character and integrity of the decision-maker. - - ### **Court Result:** [Lack of Legal Action Initially] - [Development of Informed Consent Laws] - - [NIH Agreement with the Lacks Family] - - **Nancy Wexler** #### **Case Summary:** Nancy Wexler is a prominent geneticist whose family was significantly affected by Huntington's Disease, a rare, inherited disorder. Her mother, Leonore Wexler, was diagnosed at age 53 and dedicated her life to finding a cure. Nancy Wexler continued this legacy, focusing on research to combat Huntington's Disease. She is most known for her work in Venezuela, where she traced the disease through a family spanning 10 generations and over 18,000 individuals, collecting 4,000 blood samples over 20 years. Her efforts led to the identification of the gene responsible for Huntington's Disease in 1993. Despite her groundbreaking work, Wexler\'s research raised ethical concerns, including potential personal motives and allegations of misleading vulnerable populations in Venezuela. She later disclosed her own positive diagnosis of Huntington's to reduce stigma and raise awareness about the disease. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Locus of Authority:] The authority to make ethical decisions or conduct research. - - [Lack of Informed Consent:] The requirement for participants to fully understand and voluntarily agree to research procedures. - ### **Ethical Principles Applied:** [Beneficence (Acting in the Best Interest of the Patient):] The ethical principle of doing good and benefiting others. - - [Justice (Fairness and Equity):] The principle of fairness in distribution of risks and benefits. - - [Nonmaleficence (Do No Harm):] The obligation to avoid causing harm to others. - - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics):] Focus on the moral duties and rights involved, regardless of the outcomes. - - [Teleological Ethics (Consequentialism or Utilitarianism):] Decisions are judged by their outcomes or the greatest good for the greatest number. - - **Joyce Brown** #### **Case Summary:** In 1985, Joyce Brown, a homeless woman with a history of drug addiction and erratic behavior, became the center of a legal and ethical battle when New York City Mayor Ed Koch sought to involuntarily commit her to a mental health facility as part of *Project Help*. This initiative aimed to remove homeless individuals from the streets and place them in psychiatric care, but raised significant ethical questions about autonomy, justice, and the appropriate use of psychiatric treatment. Joyce had been exhibiting behaviors such as running into traffic, exposing herself, and covering herself in her own feces, leading authorities to believe she was a danger to herself and others. Despite the push for her involuntary commitment, the *New York Civil Liberties Union* argued that Joyce was not a danger and that her homelessness was not a sufficient reason for forced psychiatric treatment. Joyce fought for her right to live as she wished, leading to a legal battle. *Judge Lippman* initially ruled in her favor, but the decision was appealed. Ultimately, Joyce was released, with the final decision siding with her right to autonomy. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Locus of Authority]: Determining who has the authority to make decisions for a person. - [Autonomy]: The right of individuals to make their own decisions about their lives and medical treatments. - - [Moral Distress]: The conflict between doing what seems right and being constrained by external forces. - [Justice]: The ethical principle of fairness, ensuring that people are treated equitably. - - - [Nonmaleficence (Do No Harm)] - [Beneficence (Acting in the Best Interest of Others)] - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)]: Decisions based on outcomes, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. - - [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics)]: Focuses on duties and rights, emphasizing the means over the outcomes. - - ### **Court Results:** [Joyce Brown's Legal Battle:] - [Judge Lippman's Initial Ruling:] - [Appeal and Outcome:] - **Christian Barnard** #### **Case Summary:** Dr. *Christian Barnard*, a South African surgeon, performed the world's first *heart transplant* on December 3, 1967, at the Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. The patient, *Louis Washkansky,* survived for 18 days post-surgery before dying from pneumonia. This groundbreaking surgery was met with both global acclaim for its medical achievement and ethical controversy, particularly regarding issues of consent, medical experimentation, and the risks of the procedure. Over time, heart transplants have become routine surgeries, greatly improving patients\' quality of life and survival rates due to advances in medical techniques and immunosuppressant drugs. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Medical Experimentation]: The practice of conducting medical procedures or treatments that are new, experimental, or not fully understood. - - - - [Consent]: The process of obtaining explicit permission from patients or their families before proceeding with medical treatments or interventions. - - - [Choosing Recipients]: The decision-making process for selecting who will receive a transplant, particularly when there is a limited number of available organs. - - - - ### **Ethical Principles Applied:** [Autonomy]: The right of individuals to make their own decisions about their bodies and lives. - - [Beneficence (Promoting Well-being)]: Acting in ways that benefit others and promote their well-being. - - - [Non-maleficence (Do No Harm)]: The principle of avoiding harm and minimizing suffering. - - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)]: Making decisions that maximize overall benefits for the greatest number of people. - - [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics)]: Focuses on following ethical duties and respecting rights, regardless of the outcomes. - - [Virtue Ethics]: Focuses on the character and intentions of the individual making the decision. - - **Jahi McMath** #### **Case Summary:** Jahi McMath, a 13-year-old girl, underwent a laryngeal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in 2013. Following complications post-surgery, including significant blood loss, Jahi went into cardiorespiratory arrest and was declared *brain dead* by California medical professionals. However, Jahi's family disagreed with the brain death diagnosis due to their religious beliefs, and they sought to continue life support for her. They moved her to an institution in New Jersey, where the state has a *religious exemption* for brain death. Medical professionals in New Jersey provided \"compassionate care,\" but after three years, Jahi passed away from liver failure and internal bleeding, which was declared as clinical death. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Moral Repugnance]: The feeling of moral opposition or discomfort to an action or situation. - - [Locus of Authority]: Determining who has the right to make medical decisions. - - [Ethical Dilemma]: A situation where conflicting ethical choices need to be made. - ### **Ethical Principles Applied:** ### [Autonomy]: The right of individuals to make their own decisions about their bodies and lives. - - [Beneficence (Promoting Well-being]: The obligation to act in ways that benefit others. - - [Non-maleficence (Do No Harm)]: The ethical principle of not causing harm to others. - - [Justice (Fairness)]: Ensuring fairness and equity in decisions, especially regarding the allocation of resources. - - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics)]: Focuses on the importance of following ethical duties and respecting rights, regardless of outcomes. - - [Utilitarianism (Teleological Ethics)]: Focuses on maximizing overall benefit, often considering the greatest good for the greatest number. - - [Virtue Ethics]: Focuses on the character and integrity of the moral agent (in this case, the healthcare professionals and the family). - - ### **Court Result:** [California's Brain Death Diagnosis] - [New Jersey Religious Exemption:] - [No Court Ruling:] - **Baby Louise** #### **Case Summary:** Louise Brown, born on July 25, 1978, was the world's first successful *In Vitro Fertilization* (IVF) baby. Her birth was the result of a groundbreaking procedure involving *egg retrieval* and *embryo implantation* in Lesley Brown, her mother. IVF was a new technology at the time, and while it had been tested in animals, there had been no successful human pregnancies prior to Louise's birth. Lesley Brown was informed that the procedure was new, but not told that there had been no prior successful IVF attempts. After undergoing the procedure in February 1977, Lesley tested positive for pregnancy six weeks later, and Louise Brown was born healthy. The birth garnered significant media attention and public scrutiny, with some religious and societal groups opposing the technology. Louise, as the first IVF baby, faced challenges including public attention, invasion of privacy, and stigmatization, particularly from those who viewed her as "unnatural." ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Religious Opposition:] The opposition of certain religious groups to the IVF process, particularly because it separates procreation from marital intercourse and gives doctors significant control over the creation of life. - [Privacy]: The right to control personal information and protect it from unwanted exposure. - [Confidentiality]: The ethical principle of protecting personal information from unauthorized disclosure. - [Informed Consent]: The ethical and legal requirement that patients or participants understand and agree to medical procedures with full knowledge of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. - - ### **Ethical Principles Applied:** ### [Justice (Fair Treatment)]: Ensuring fairness and equality in the treatment of individuals, especially when new technologies or procedures are involved. - - [Veracity (Truthfulness)]: The ethical obligation to be truthful and transparent. - - [Beneficence (Promoting Well-being)]: The ethical principle of acting in ways that benefit others. - - [Teleological Ethics (Consequentialism)]: Focuses on outcomes, where actions are judged based on their results. - - **Baby Jane Doe** #### **Case Summary:** *Baby Jane Doe*, born on October 11, 1983, suffered from spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and microcephaly. Physicians recommended immediate surgery to increase her life expectancy from a matter of weeks to about 20 years, though they stated she would likely have severe disabilities, including paralysis, epilepsy, mental retardation, and frequent infections. Despite the medical recommendation, Baby Jane\'s parents opted against surgery, instead choosing palliative care with antibiotics and bandages to prevent infections. This decision sparked a legal and ethical debate over *parental rights, government intervention*, and the *role of healthcare providers* in making medical decisions for severely disabled children. The *Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)* under the Reagan Administration intervened, claiming that the parents\' decision amounted to discrimination against disabled infants and violated the child\'s civil rights. This led to a *legal battle* over the extent to which the government could intervene in medical decisions, especially those involving disabled children. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of the parents\' right to make medical decisions for their child, reinforcing the autonomy of parents and privacy protections. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Parental Rights vs. Government Intervention] - - [Parental Decision-Making] - - [Healthcare Provider Obligations] - - ### **Ethical Principles Applied:** [Autonomy]: The right of individuals (or parents, in this case) to make decisions about their own lives and those of their children. - - [Beneficence (Promoting Well-being)]: The obligation to act in the best interest of the patient. - - [Non-maleficence (Do No Harm)]: The obligation to avoid causing harm or suffering. - - [Justice (Fair Treatment)]: The principle of fairness and equity, ensuring that decisions are not made based on discriminatory grounds. - - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics)]: Focuses on moral duties and obligations, regardless of the outcomes. - - [Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)]: Weighs the outcomes of decisions to maximize overall benefit. - - [Virtue Ethics]: Focuses on the character and intentions of the decision-maker. - - ### **Court Result:** [Federal Court Ruling:] - [1984 Baby Doe Regulations:] - **Baby Fae** #### **Case Summary:** Baby *Stephanie Fae Beauclair*, born in 1984, was diagnosed with *hypoplastic left heart* *syndrome*, a condition where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped, leading to abnormal blood flow. The average life expectancy for infants with this condition is only about *4.5 days*. In a groundbreaking but highly controversial medical case, *Dr. Leonard Bailey*, a pediatric surgeon, attempted a *xenotransplantation* by transplanting a *baboon heart* into Baby Fae. This was the first such attempt in humans. Remarkably, Baby Fae survived for *21 days* post-transplant, which at the time was the longest any infant had lived with a primate heart. This case highlighted the shortage of infant organs for transplantation and led to the establishment of new guidelines for *anencephalic infant organ transplants*, including the need for *brain death* diagnosis, full *informed consent* from parents, and appropriate supportive care before making decisions about organ donation. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Lack of Informed Consent]: The failure to provide a patient or family with full and understandable information about the risks, benefits, and uncertainties of a medical procedure before they consent. - [Locus of Authority]: The ethical question of who has the right to make medical decisions. - [Animal Rights]: The ethical concern about the use of animals in research, particularly when it involves sacrificing an animal for the benefit of humans. - [Beneficence (Promoting Well-being)]: The obligation to act in the best interest of the patient and promote their well-being. - [Justice (Fairness)]: Ensuring fairness and equity in the treatment and distribution of resources. - - [Veracity (Truthfulness)]: The obligation to be truthful and transparent. - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics)]: Emphasizes the duty to follow ethical rules and principles, regardless of the outcomes. - - [Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)]: Focuses on the outcomes or consequences of an action and aims to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. - - [Virtue Ethics]: Focuses on the character and intentions of the moral agent (in this case, Dr. Bailey and the family). - - **Barney Clark** #### **Case Summary:** *Barney Clark,* a 61-year-old dentist from Seattle, Washington, became the world's first recipient of a *permanent artificial heart* (Jarvik 7) in 1982. Clark had been diagnosed with *Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)* and was deemed too old and too sick to receive a traditional heart transplant. After being told he had limited options, Clark agreed to undergo the experimental surgery. The procedure, conducted by Dr. *William DeVries* and his surgical team, initially showed promise. However, Clark experienced significant complications following the surgery, including *brain seizures, chronic nosebleeds, breathing difficulties,* and *kidney failure.* He passed away after *112 days* in the hospital. It was later revealed that the *plastic biomaterial* used in the Jarvik 7 may have contributed to blood clots that traveled to his brain. This case raised significant ethical questions regarding *informed consent, medical experimentation*, and the responsibilities of healthcare providers in experimental procedures. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Ethical Dilemma] - - - [Moral Distress]: The discomfort or conflict that healthcare professionals experience when they are faced with situations where they must act against their values or ethical principles. The medical team may have felt moral distress, knowing that the procedure was risky and experimental, but they also had a professional obligation to attempt to help the patient. They were caught between the desire to *do no harm* and the hope that the procedure could save or extend Clark\'s life. [Informed Consent]: The process of providing a patient with clear, understandable, and thorough information about the risks and benefits of a medical procedure before they agree to it. - ### **Ethical Principles Applied:** [Non-maleficence (Do No Harm)]: The principle of avoiding harm or minimizing harm to patients. - [Beneficence (Promoting Well-being)]: The obligation to act in the best interest of the patient and promote their well-being. - [Justice (Fairness)]: The ethical principle of fairness, ensuring that medical decisions and treatments are equitable. - - [Fidelity (Loyalty and Trustworthiness)]: The duty to be loyal to patients and honor the trust they place in healthcare providers. - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics)]: Focuses on the duties and responsibilities of healthcare providers, regardless of the outcomes. - [Utilitarianism (Consequentialism)]: Focuses on the outcome of actions, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. - - [Virtue Ethics]: Focuses on the character and moral intentions of the decision-maker. - ### **Court Result:** [Jarvik 7 Production Halted:] - [Later Approval for Bridge-to-Transplant Use: ] - [Legal Concerns: ] - **Ashley X** #### **Case Summary:** *Ashley X*, a girl diagnosed with *Static Encephalopathy*, a non-progressive brain impairment, was dependent on caregivers for all aspects of her life, unable to act independently. As she entered puberty, her family and medical team decided to perform several medical procedures to prevent the challenges of puberty, make caregiving easier, and improve her quality of life. These procedures included *growth attenuation therapy* (high-dose estrogen to stop her growth), a *hysterectomy* (removal of her uterus), *breast bud removal*, and an *appendectomy*. These procedures were performed without the required court approval for sterilization under Washington state law. Her parents argued that these interventions would make caregiving easier and improve Ashley's dignity, comfort, and overall well-being. ### **Key Ethical Issues:** [Autonomy]: The right of individuals to make decisions for themselves, including the right to refuse or consent to medical treatments. - - [Non-maleficence (Do No Harm)]: The obligation to avoid causing harm or suffering to others. - - [Beneficence (Promoting Well-being)]: The obligation to act in the best interests of the patient and promote their well-being. - - [Justice (Fairness)]: Ensuring fairness and equality in medical treatment and decisions. - - ### **Ethical Theories Applied:** [Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics)]: Focuses on moral duties, rules, and obligations, irrespective of the consequences. - - - [Teleological Ethics (Utilitarianism)]: Focuses on the consequences of actions, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. - - [Virtue Ethics]: Focuses on the character and intentions of the moral agent, with an emphasis on compassion and integrity. - - ### **Key Legal and Ethical Outcomes:** [Ethics Committee Review:] - [No Legal Governing Rule:] - [Future Guidelines: ] - **Terri Schiavo** #### **Case Summary:** Terri Schiavo, a Florida woman, collapsed on February 24, 1990, due to cardiac arrest caused by hypokalemia (low potassium), which resulted in severe brain damage, leaving her in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). Her husband, Michael Schiavo, sought to remove her life support, while her parents, the Schindlers, wanted to continue care, believing she might recover. This led to extensive legal battles, culminating in the removal of her feeding tube in 2005 after several court rulings. #### **Ethical Issues:** [Advanced Directive: ] - [Conflict of Interest:] - [Disability Advocacy:] - [Hope for Recovery:] - #### **Ethical Principles:** [Autonomy: ] - [Beneficence: ] - [Nonmaleficence: ] - [Veracity: ] - #### **Ethical Theories:** [Deontology: ] - [Teleological (Utilitarianism): ] - [Virtue Ethics: ] - #### **Court Results:** [2001: ] - [October 2001: ] - [1998-2005: ] - [\"Terri\'s Law\":] - [2005: ] - **Kimberly Bergalis** #### **Case Summary:** The Kimberly Bergalis case is the first documented instance of HIV/AIDS transmission from a healthcare provider to a patient. Dr. David Acer, a dentist, continued to practice dentistry despite being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, which led to his patients, including Kimberly Bergalis, contracting the virus. Bergalis became a vocal advocate for the rights of patients to know the HIV status of their healthcare providers before passing away from AIDS. The case sparked intense legal and ethical debates around the disclosure of HIV status by healthcare providers. #### **Ethical Issues:** [Ethical Dilemma: ] - [Locus of Authority: ] - [Confidentiality: ] - [Nonmaleficence: ] - [Veracity: ] - [Autonomy: ] - [Justice: ] - #### **Ethical Theories:** [Deontology:] - [Utilitarianism: ] - [Patient Autonomy:] - [Nonmaleficence]: - #### **Court Results:** - [Lawsuits: ] - [Settlement: ] - **Dr. Jack Kevorkian** #### **Case Summary:** Dr. Jack Kevorkian, an American pathologist, became a controversial figure for his advocacy of physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. He developed a machine called the \"Mercitron\" that allowed patients to self-administer a fatal medication. Between 1990 and 1998, Kevorkian participated in over 130 assisted suicides. His actions sparked a national debate about euthanasia, end-of-life care rights, and the ethics surrounding the role of physicians in assisting with suicide. #### **Medical Ethical Issue:** [Physician-Assisted Suicide: ] - #### **Ethical Principles:** [Nonmaleficence: ] - [Autonomy: ] - [Beneficence:] - #### **Ethical Theories:** [Paternalism:] - [Consequentialism:] - [Deontology:] - #### **Court Result:** - - **Karen Ann Qiunlan** #### **Case Summary:** Karen Ann Quinlan, after a night out with friends, took a large dose of medication in an attempt to end her life, which led to her falling into a coma. She was placed on life support, including a respirator, and was later diagnosed with being in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). Her parents, believing that Karen would not want to live in such a condition, sought to remove her from life support. After initial defeat in Superior Court, the case was taken to the New Jersey Supreme Court, where the Quinlans succeeded in gaining the authority to make medical decisions for Karen. She was weaned off the respirator, moved to a nursing home, and lived for 10 years before passing away from respiratory failure. #### **Ethical Issues:** [Locus of Authority: ] - [Ethical Dilemma]: - #### **Ethical Principles:** [Paternalism: ] - [Locus of Authority: ] - [Autonomy: ] - [Nonmaleficence: ] - #### **Ethical Theories:** [Virtue Ethics]: - [Deontological Ethics: ] - [Teleological Ethics: ] - #### **Court Result:** - - - -