ethical decision making process

Ethical decision-making process
Institution
Date
Ethical decision making is the process of choosing from alternatives which have been evaluated based on ethical principles. The alternatives in an ethical situation are competitive and may require sacrificing some ethical principles in favor for the ones that will minimize harm in the situation. Taking unethical decisions will lead to criminal charges, ruin a person’s profession or also cause death to a patient. The paper shall use a nine-step process for making a decision in an ethical manner for Euthanasia, organ transplantation and Eugenics.
Gathering of facts concerning the issue is the first step. Euthanasia is suicide that has been assisted by a healthcare practitioner (Boudreau, 2016). In most cases, it is conducted to ease the suffering of the patient caused by the illness. Organ transplant involves the transfer of an organ from a donor to another person with a malfunctioning similar organ (Abouna, 2003 and Akoh, 2012)). Eugenics is a sociological philosophy that is dedicated to improving human genetics by favoring a cross breeding with people bearing the desired traits. Eugenics also advocate for reduced sexual reproduction as well as sterilization of the people with traits which are less desirable (Suckling, 2000).
The second step is defining ethical issues; euthanasia is considered ethical since it ends a person’s life which is illegal at any instance. If euthanasia is considered illegal, then the technology that is used currently to prolong a patient’s life should be avoided and let death follow the natural course (Boudreau, 2016).

Also, patient’s autonomy and the physician have the right to duty to adhere to, and these are some of the ethical concerns surrounding the practice of euthanasia (Boudreau, 2016). Organ transplant is surrounded by a variety of ethical issue which includes but not limited to the supply of the organs, the mode of allocation, and the use of human donors which include children (Abouna, 2003). Eugenics is also an ethical issue with the manipulation of the germ cell considered to affect the future generation (Suckling, 2000). Coercion is also an ethical issue since parents may do it with their children although it is expected that parents make the correct decision on behalf of their children.
The third step is the identification of the parties affected by the ethical issues. These include primary and secondary stakeholders for Euthanasia we have the patient, the physician, politicians, family members, religious leaders, and organizations together with the supportive and dismissive public on the issue. The stakeholders for Eugenics and organ transplant would be similar and would assume similar roles as in Euthanasia. The patient will be the one receiving the services and family member will assist in making the decision before the services are provided. Politicians are there to advocate for laws that either supports the services based on the opinion of the majority of the public, the physician as part of their functions they are supposed to rendered services that will benefit their patients which are an ethical obligation. Religious groups are there to advocate for maintaining the sanctity and dignity of human life. The supportive and dismissive public will push for legislations that support or oppose the services from being rendered to patients.
The fourth step is identifying the consequences of the issues on the affected parties. For Euthanasia, organ transplant, and eugenics they share similar negative and positive consequences. The main aim of the three issues is to relieve human suffering from a healthcare condition and undesired human nature. Upon implementation of the mode of action, the patient is expected to get relieve from his suffering or his genetics modified to become a better person. For instance, with a better functioning heart, the bread winner in the family will continue supporting his family. And if allowed to die he will leave his family and the country in a bad state without his contribution, for Euthanasia the money spent to maintain a person who may not have recovery and in seething pain is a waste of time and money for both the patient and the family (Boudreau, 2016). By accepting Euthanasia, the patient will get a relief and family will use the money for other things. It may also be a challenge for the family to let go a family member. In Eugenics once the process is successful future generation will have desired traits which are vital for their survival (Suckling, 2000). On the contrary, it will not be acceptable to change Gods creation on nature according to religious groups.
The fifth the step is identifying issues relate to principles, justice, and rights. For Euthanasia and organ transport the principle of service to clients by a physician does not allow them to harm patients since they have the right to good services. They also have the right to autonomy in deciding what services they should receive. The same case applies to Eugenics, but it’s an injustice to the future generation who have to inherit traits considered by their fore furthers without considering what would be their opinions.
The sixth step is considering personal integrity and character issues. This step includes considering the surrounding community take of the three ethical issues. For instance, if it’s a religious community taking life through unnatural mean will be unacceptable. Also taking another person organ would be objected since its showing value for another and disregard for the other which is against many religion points of equality. Eugenics would also be disputed since it would be considered a challenge to God’s creation. As a healthcare provider offering services that promote human life would be the ultimate goal and an expression of integrity and good character.
The seventh step is a creative thinking on the possible action. At this stage, a person is required to brainstorm and exhaust on alternatives other than changing genes of the patient, transplanting their organs or assisted suicide. The choice you arrive at should meet the needs of all primary stakeholders which include the patients, family, and friends.
The eighth step involves your institution as a support system for deciding the right and wrong; this should come along expert skills. The last step in making the decision in ethical dilemma situation is preparing to implement the course of action and be ready to handle the opponents of your decision.
References
Abouna, G. M. (2003). Ethical issues in organ transplantation. Medical Principles and Practice, 12(1), 54-69.
Akoh, J. A. (2012). Key issues in transplant tourism. World journal of transplantation, 2(1), 9.
Boudreau, J. D. (2016). Physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia: can you even imagine teaching medical students how to end their patients’ lives?.Issues.
Suckling, R. (2000). Eugenics debate: Eugenics principles are there. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 320(7238), 873.