Medical Ethics Quotes

“DNA is now a reality. Reproductive”
― Tony Hope, Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction

“Many clinicians would start, not with analysis, but with discussion. Such clinicians might begin by asking Mrs C why she thought that Mr C should go into hospital. What is important for these clinicians is understanding the needs, wishes, and perspectives of all those involved, and working towards an agreed decision that avoids conflicts: not always possible, of course, but with skill and patience it is often successful. In other words, this approach involves negotiation between the key people.”
― Tony Hope, Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction

“Tomorrow’s medicine is today’s research. That is why the question of how we allocate resources to research is at least as important as the question of how we allocate resources to health care itself.”
― Tony Hope, Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction

“A consequentialist account certainly gives reasons for why the doctor should not breach confidentiality on the grounds of the possible deleterious effect on the family. This is the main reason why most geneticists would not tell John that he is not the biological father of Sarah’s child. But it is not entirely clear that the consequences of keeping John ignorant are better than informing him of the truth. Is it right that Sarah needs to be protected from the consequences of her act and will it be better for the family if this remains a secret?”
― Tony Hope, Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction

“Disclosure of personal information without consent may be justified where failure to do so may expose the patient or others to risk of death or serious harm. Where third parties are exposed to a risk so serious that it outweighs the patient’s privacy interest, you should seek consent to disclosure where practicable. If it is not practicable, you should disclose information promptly to an appropriate person or authority. You should generally inform the patient before disclosing the information.”
― Tony Hope, Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction

“Let me pose a more general question. What is the cash value of a human life? This question is a disturbing one to ask but, paradoxically, there are situations where avoiding the question may cost lives, and allocating scarce medical resources is one of them.”
― Tony Hope, Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction

“The practice of euthanasia, under some circumstances, is morally required by the two most widely regarded principles that guide medical practice: respect for patient autonomy and promoting patient’s best interests. In the Netherlands and Belgium active euthanasia may be carried out within the law.”
― Tony Hope, Medical Ethics: A Very Short Introduction