Christian Principles of

EthicsA. T. Alora

Objectives

Explain Christian principles of ethics related to health

Apply these principles to healthcare delivery, education and research

Christian Principles Principle: rules of conduct

from values translated to

concrete contexts Based on Christian faith Classification: in relation to

process, act, others

Christian PrinciplesIn relation to the decision-

making process well formed conscience inner freedom

I. Well formed Conscience Practical judgment Steps: inform, judge (moral certitude),

act,

accept responsibility Duty: form a true conscience Violation: fail to inform, obey, take

responsibility for

II. Inner Freedom Capacity to choose without

compulsion Duty: avoid loss of rational control Violation: cause loss of control Considerations: illness

coercion

Christian PrinciplesIn relation to actions: human dignity inviolability of life stewardship and creativity totality and integrity personalized sexuality double effect

III. Human DignityAim at satisfaction of

needs of personDuty: deal with as endViolation: use as means

IV. Inviolability of Life Life is sacred From conception to natural death Duty: protect life; preserve species Violation: harm/destroy life Consideration: Life is not the

highest value

V. Stewardship and Creativity Dominion over creation Duty: Care and cultivate

within nature

within man’s knowledge

responsibly and respectfully Violation: harm/destroy present or future

creation

Consideration: correct vs improve

VI. Totality and Integrity Full function and potential Parts for & subordinate to whole Duty: care for all parts Violation: mutilation, depress function, kill Consideration: sacrifice part if: harms whole no alternative removal does not destroy intrinsic nature effort to compensate

VII. Personalized sexuality Love and be united – continue species Conjugal act in marriage indivisible unitive and procreative elements Duty: preserve sanctity and integrity Violation: desecrate act; suppress one element Consideration: can be sacrificed

VIII. Double Effect Action with good and bad effect Duty: allow only if

motive (chosen effect) is good

object is good/neutral

benefit results from action

benefit more or = harm Violation: end used to justify means Consideration: evaluating effect/means

Christian PrinciplesIn relation to others (community) free and informed consent professional communication solidarity common good and subsidiarity cooperation

IX. Free and Informed Consent

Right/responsibility to decideFor protection

respect

better compliance

less litigation

Free and Informed Consent Elements

information

consent

competence and acceptance

freedom and voluntariness Considerations

emergencies, proxy, children

X. Professional Communication

1. Truth-telling

give accurate complete information

justification: it is right

for respect and trust

to prevent harm

for diagnosis &

management

Professional CommunicationTruth-telling

duty: tell: appropriate time and manner

violation: withheld truth, lies

considerations: emergency

therapeutic privilege

bad news: culture

Professional Communication2. Confidentiality

keep professional data private

justification: for respect and trust

to prevent harm

for diagnosis and

management

duty: keep secret

violation: telling others

Professional CommunicationConfidentiality

considerations: required by legitimate

authority

with consent

to avoid a greater harm

culture

XI. SolidarityBe one withFor common good, loveDuty: help neighborViolation: fail to helpConsideration: Philippine

culture

XII. Common Good and Subsidiarity

Participate according to capability

Help when unableDuty: let/help decide and actViolation: paternalismConsideration: efficiency

XIII. Legitimate Cooperation Participation in a wrong-doing Classification

intention: formal or material

involvement: immediate or mediate

action: proximate or remote Duty: not to cooperate in a wrong doing Violation: cooperation in a wrong doing

Legitimate Cooperation Consideration: may be allowed if

material, mediate and as remote as

possible

significant proportionate reason

scandal avoided

no alternative lesser evil action

Christian Principles

As I reflect God

growth through suffering

stewardship

virtues

XIV. Growth through Suffering United w/ Christ suffering – growth Duty: endure with courage and faith Violation: punishment Consideration: some sufferings need to

be relieved; duty of MD to do so