Ethics in Health Care - A Critique

There are umpteen occasion that warrant cessation of treatment - leading to death of human beings. Is one duty - bound to sustain a life strive for the purpose in life? In numerable are such issues - and queries. The ordinary mortals are at sixes and sevens when faced with such perplex situations. Which road should one take? Which way should one walk? This book is an attempt to help one find the sight path and make the right choice in the Held of health care. Doctors, paramedical staff and the layman - for all, this critique could be of immense value. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE MISSION OF THE CHRISTIAN DOCTOR 9-30 1. Ethical Mission of the Christian Doctor General Ethical Responsibilities Some Specific Responsibilities Responsibility for Accurate Diagnosis Responsibility for Skilled Treatment Responsibility for Professional Care Responsibility for Privacy Responsibility regarding Xrays and Case Histories Responsibility regarding Patient Intangibility and Informed Conset Responsibility regarding Information of Imminent Death 2. Spiritual Mission of the Doctor 3. Pastoral Mission of the Doctor CH APTER TWO WITHDRAWAL OF LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEMS 31-81 1. What the Magisterium Teaches 2. What Tradition Says 3. What Contemporary Theologians Affirm 4. What Physicians, Courts, and People Think 5. What Theological Reasons Point to Meaning of Inviolability of Human Life Notion of a Dying Patient ArtificialNutrition-Hydrationas Medical Procedure Right to Die with Dignity Ordinary and Extraordinary Means Withdrawal of Artificial Nutrition-Hydration versus Euthanasia Scarce Resources and Care Answer to Objections 6. Care of Hopelessly 111 Patients CHAPTERTHREE SERIOUSLY DEFECTIVE BABY: TO LIVE OR LET DIE ? 83 1. Medical Considerations 2.Moral Reflections 3. Pastoral Observations CHAPTER FOUR AMNIOCENTESIS 1. Introductory Observations 2. Ethical Aspects of Sex Selection 3. Pastoral Considerations CHAPTER FIVE PREVENTION OF AIDS AND USE OF CONDOMS 111 CONCLUSION