1. BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986
standard approach to biomedical ethics
endorsed by most moral theories
provide a framework that may facilitate resolution of ethical problems
four key principles: autonomy (respect for autonomy), non-maleficence, beneficence, justice
each principle needs to be weighed and balanced in determining an optimal course of action

2. BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986
Autonomy – principle of self-rule
right to participate in and decide on a course of action; freedom to act independently
competent adult’s informed decision to refuse (even life-saving) treatment supercedes offer of treatment medical paternalism - acting without consent or overriding a person’s wishes, wants, or actions, in order to benefit the patient or prevent harm
strong paternalism, the overriding a competent patent’s wishes
weak paternalism, acting for the benefit of an incompetent patient
 The Principle of Autonomy
An individual's action ought to be the result of his or her own choices.
Persons ought to be self-determining

3. BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986
Non-maleficence - principle of avoiding harm to the patient
justification for ‘acts and omissions’ distinction in law (withholding/withdrawing treatment that is not benefiting patient)
The Principle of Non-Maleficence
Avoid harm  

4. BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986
Beneficence – principle of doing what is best for the patient
promotion of patient’s best interests
prevent or remove harm
encompasses sanctity of life principle
when in conflict, non-maleficence supersedes the principle of beneficence.
The Principle of Beneficence
Act in ways that promote the well being of others
Prevent or remove harm.
Promote good. 

5. BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES Beauchamp and Childress 2001;Gillon 1986
Justice - principle based on fairness, equity and equality
treat similar cases in similar ways
distribute health care resources (goods and service) fairly
proper distribution of benefits and burdens
The Principle of Justice 
Treat equal cases equally.
Distribute all benefits and burdens equally.
Distribute goods and services based on need.