THE POTENTIAL

PARENTS
SUMMATIVE PART 3

(Parents n.d.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Justice ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Autonomy .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Non-Maleficence ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Beneficence ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Jack and Diannes Discussion .................................................................................................................. 5
References .................................................................................................................................................. 7

INTRODUCTION
Jack and Dianne have an almost impossible decision to make, do they have a child
with a 25% chance of being born with DMD or do they choose another method such
as a surrogate or adoption. There are many facts to consider before making this
decision, such as their genetic history which they found through a genetics
counsellor and information on the disease which they picked up from a doctors
office. However, there are also the bioethical principles to consider. Do they let their
child possibly live a life of pain? Is that ethical? There are things to be discussed such
as justice, autonomy, non-maleficence and beneficence before the couple make their
final verdict.

JUSTICE
JUSTICE
(js'tis),
The ethical principle that persons who have similar circumstances and conditions
should be treated alike; sometimes known as distributive justice. The Medical
Dictionary
The principle of justice is intended to ensure that the distribution of medical
treatment is given fairly to all, that they are treated alike, this is also known as
distributive justice (McCormick, T, 2013). There are many factors that are considered
to ensure justice among patients such as:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

To each person an equal share

To each person according to need
To each person according to effort
To each person according to contribution
To each person according to merit
To each person according to free-market exchanges
(Beauchamp & Childress, 1994, p. 330)

AUTONOMY
AUTONOMY
(aw-ton'-m),
The condition or state of being autonomous, able to make decisions unaided by ot
hers. The Medical Dictionary
Respect for autonomy is basically respect for the patients wishes. This usual comes
into play when a patient refuses treatment meaning that the medical staff can not
give the patient treatment (McCormick, T, 2013). It works a little differently for
children however. If a parent refuses treatment for a child there are cases where
doctors have taken them to the juvenile court to overrule their decision
(McCormick, T, 2013).

NON-MALEFICENCE
NONMALEFICENCE
(non'ma-lef'-sens),
The ethical principle of doing no harm, based on the Hippocratic maxim, primum
non nocere, first do no harm. The Medical Dictionary
The principle of non-maleficence means that doctors or nurses must intentionally
do harm to the patients, such as prescribe them the wrong medication or in more
common cases if the patient has signed a do not resuscitate (DNR) form in the
event that their heart stops beating then the doctor or nurse must not put them
through unnecessary pain and must not revive them (McCormick, T, 2013).

BENEFICENCE
BENEFICENCE
(be-nef'-sens),
The ethical principle of doing good. The Medical Dictionary
The principle behind beneficence is to put the patients benefit before anything else.
Whether it be in a medical trial or when trying new method of treatment
(McCormick, T, 2013).

JACK AND DIANNES DISCUSSION

Dear Jack,
I hope you have had a good business trip, you deserve some time to relax after
everything that we have been talking about.
While youve been away I went back to the genetic counsellor to get the results
about the DMD gene. We have 25% chance of having a baby boy with DMD. 25
percent! Thats a big risk! I freaked out and went to see a doctor and get as much
information about the disease as possible. Did you know that he would only live to
30 years old at most! Thats not even half the standard life time of a healthy adult.
And he would be in so much pain, stuck in a wheelchair for most of his life. I just
dont think its fair. He wouldnt have any choice in any aspect of his life, all
because we were being selfish? I know this is a hard decision but Im trying to put

our possible baby boy first. He wouldnt be able to play sports, to attend regular
school. He would almost live at the hospital! Its just not fair on him. I dont want a
son of ours to live a short life of pain. I want a baby just as much as you do put its
just not ethical. Plus, there are other ways of having a child. We could get a
surrogate mother, we could adopt!
Please, just take my thoughts into consideration. I strongly believe that we
shouldnt have this baby.
I love you,
Dianne

Dear Dianne,
My trip has been amazing, Ill having to bring you out to Sydney one day, youd
love it!
I know that your freaking out about this whole DMD thing but its only a 25%
chance! Thats one in four children that we have! We could have 3 beautiful
healthy children before having a child born with DMD. Shouldnt every person
have the right to have children? Isnt that a form of justice that we are treated just
like every other couple who want to have kids? Plus, its not like we would through

him onto the streets if we had a baby born with DMD. We would love him and
care for him just like any other child that we would have. I know that it would be a
strain on us financially but I would be worth it. And yes, best case scenario he
would live into his thirties but we would love him every single second of his life. I
know you, surrogacy would kill you, knowing that our child wouldnt inherit your
amazing cooking skills or your horrible singing voice and adoption can take years!
I know your worried but I know that we can do this if we work together.
I love you,
Jack

REFERENCES
Beauchamp T, Childress J. Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 7th Edition. New York: Oxford
University Press, 2013.
McCormick, T 2013, Principles of Bioethics, University of Washington School of Medicine, accessed 17
May 2016, <https://depts.washington.edu/bioethx/tools/princpl.html>.

Parents n.d., Illustration, My Cute Graphics, accessed 17 May 2016,

<http://www.mycutegraphics.com/graphics/family/parents.html>.
The Free Dictionary n.d., Justice, Farlax, accessed 17 May 2016, <http://medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com>.