Description: Bioethics is the study of the ethical problems arising from advances in biology and medicine. This interdisciplinary field addresses complex issues involving life, health, and human well-being, as well as respect for living beings and the environment. Bioethics focuses on the intersection of science, ethics, and politics, seeking to provide a framework for informed and responsible decision-making in medical and biological contexts. Its fundamental principles include autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence, which guide healthcare professionals and researchers in their daily practice. Bioethics applies not only to medical research and healthcare but also extends to areas such as genetics, biotechnology, stem cell research, and end-of-life care. In a world where technological and scientific advancements continue to challenge our notions of what it means to be human, bioethics becomes an essential tool for navigating these moral and ethical dilemmas, promoting a thoughtful and considered approach to progress in biology and medicine.
History: The term ‘bioethics’ was coined in 1970 by oncologist Van Rensselaer Potter, who defined it as a discipline that seeks to integrate biology with human values. Over the decades, bioethics has evolved in response to advances in medicine and biology, as well as changes in societal perceptions of ethics in research and medical care. Significant events, such as the Tuskegee scandal in the 1970s and the publication of the Belmont Report in 1979, led to a greater focus on ethics in medical research and the protection of human subjects’ rights.
Uses: Bioethics is used in various areas, including medical research, healthcare, genetics, biotechnology, and public health policy. It provides a framework for ethical decision-making in complex situations, such as informed consent, allocation of limited resources, and research involving human subjects. Additionally, bioethics is fundamental in the formulation of health policies and the regulation of medical and scientific practices.
Examples: Examples of bioethics in action include discussions about genetic editing using CRISPR, which raise questions about human DNA modification and its ethical implications. Another case is the debate over euthanasia and the right to die with dignity, which involves considerations of patient autonomy and the role of healthcare professionals. Ethical issues in stem cell research can also be mentioned, where the rights of donors and the use of embryos are discussed.
