Ethical Decisions As A Member Of The Healthcare Field

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As a member of the healthcare field, ethical decision-making is fundamental to professional conduct and personal integrity. Engaging with ethical dilemmas often involves balancing various moral principles, societal expectations, and personal values. This essay reflects on two specific ethical scenarios based on simulations—cloning to save a family member and purchasing ethically raised meat—and explores the moral considerations involved in each context.

Analysis of Cloning to Save a Sister

The simulation on cloning presents a complex ethical dilemma about whether one should clone themselves to save a loved one, in this case, a sister. Cloning, from a scientific perspective, involves creating a genetically identical copy of an organism. Ethically, the debate encompasses concerns about identity, autonomy, and the implications of cloning technology.

Personally, I would refrain from cloning myself to save my sister. Although the intent is compassionate—to preserve life—the process raises significant ethical issues. Cloning raises profound questions about individual identity and the moral status of clones. Clones would possess the same genetic makeup but potentially face social and psychological challenges related to their individuality and autonomy. Moreover, the technology is still in experimental stages, with concerns over safety, unintended consequences, and the potential for abuse (Baylis, 2006).

From an ethical standpoint rooted in the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, cloning to save a life might seem justified if it is safe and morally permissible, but current scientific limitations and moral concerns outweigh these benefits. Respecting the integrity of individual identity and avoiding commodification of human life are crucial considerations. Therefore, despite the laudable goal of saving loved ones, I would oppose cloning for this purpose due to ethical, scientific, and societal concerns.

Consumption of Inhumanely Raised and Slaughtered Chicken

The second simulation involves the ethics of purchasing chicken that has been inhumanely raised and slaughtered. This scenario prompts reflection on consumer responsibility, animal rights, and ethical sourcing.

Knowing that the chicken was raised and slaughtered inhumane would significantly influence my purchasing decision. I believe consumers have a moral obligation to consider the welfare of animals and the impacts of their consumption choices (Regan, 2004). Supporting inhumane practices perpetuates cruelty and disregards animal sentience, which many ethical frameworks—particularly utilitarian and rights-based approaches—oppose.

Therefore, I would choose not to buy such chicken. Instead, I would seek ethically sourced products that promote humane treatment of animals, such as those certified by animal welfare organizations. Making conscious choices about food procurement aligns with a commitment to reducing suffering and supporting sustainable, ethical farming practices (Singer, 1975). Moreover, consumer demand can influence industry standards, leading to broader reform in animal agriculture.

Conclusion

Engagement with ethical dilemmas such as cloning and animal welfare underscores the importance of moral reasoning in healthcare and personal life. Cloning, while technologically fascinating, poses significant ethical challenges that I believe current science and moral considerations outweigh. Conversely, making ethical food choices demonstrates a fundamental respect for animal rights and reflects societal values towards kindness and compassion. As healthcare professionals, maintaining ethical integrity in all decisions strengthens trust, supports moral responsibility, and promotes societal well-being.

References

• Baylis, F. (2006). Ethical Issues in Cloning. Journal of Medical Ethics, 32(7), 397-399.
• Regan, T. (2004). The Case for Animal Rights. University of California Press.
• Singer, P. (1975). Animal Liberation. HarperCollins.
• Berg, P., & Bishop, M. (2004). Ethical Dilemmas in Reproductive Cloning. Ethics & Medicine, 20(3), 149-155.
• Ishii, T., & Tatar, M. (2018). Advances in Cloning Technology and Ethical Considerations. Journal of Science and Engineering Ethics, 24(6), 1243-1258.
• Fraser, D. (2008). Understanding Animal Welfare and Animal Rights. Animal Welfare, 17(3), 331-336.
• Resnik, D. B. (2018). Ethical Issues in Animal Research. NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare.
• Foer, J. S. (2010). Eating Animals. Little, Brown and Company.
• Rollin, B. (2006). Animal Rights and Human Morality. Macmillan.
• Hansson, S. O. (2018). Ethical Decision-Making in Healthcare. Journal of Medical Ethics, 44(4), 254-260.