Paternalism, rooted in the idea of acting in the best interest of patients even against
their expressed preferences, raises ethical dilemmas. In healthcare, this can occur
when a healthcare professional makes decisions for a patient's well-being without their
full consent.
I find the discussion around the ethical tension between paternalism and patient
autonomy thought-provoking. It prompts reflection on the balance between
beneficence (doing good) and respecting individual autonomy. How do you, my
classmates, perceive the role of paternalism in healthcare? Is there a point where
paternalistic actions become justified, especially in cases where a patient's decision
might significantly endanger their health?
REFERENCE:
Vearrier, L., & Henderson, C. M. (2021). Utilitarian Principlism as a Framework for Crisis
Healthcare Ethics.
HEC forum : an interdisciplinary journal on hospitals' ethical and
legal issues
,
33
(1-2), 45–60.
