Democracy: the forgotten challenge for bioethics in the developing countries
Dublin Core
Title
Democracy: the forgotten challenge for bioethics in the developing countries
Author
Hussein, Ghaiath M.A.
Publisher
5/22/09
Language
English
Publication Date
20090522
Abstract
Background: Bioethics as a field related to the health system and health service delivery has grown in the second half of the 20th century, mainly in North America. This is attributed, the author argues, to mainly three kinds of development that took place in the developed countries at a pace different than the developing countries. They are namely: development of the health system
Abstract Translated
moral development; and political development. Discussion: This article discusses the factors that impede the development of the field of bioethics from an academic activity to a living field that is known and practiced by the people in the developing countries. They are quite many; however, the emphasis here is on role of the political structure in the developing countries and how it negatively affects the development of bioethics. It presents an argument that if bioethics is to grow within the system of health service, it should be accompanied by a parallel changes in the political mindsets in these countries. Summary: For bioethics to flourish in developing countries, it needs an atmosphere of freedom where people can practice free moral reasoning and have full potential to take their life decisions by themselves. Moreover, bioethics could be a tool for political change through the empowerment of people, especially the vulnerable.To achieve that, the article is proposing a practical framework for facilitating the development of the field of bioethics in the developing countries.
Primary Classification
2.1
Secondary Classification
2.1;21.1
Primary keywords
bioethics--[pri];democracy--[pri];developing countries--[pri];freedom--[pri];political systems--[pri]
Secondary keywords
accountability;autonomy;health care delivery;human rights;moral development;non-Western world;paternalism;politics;principle-based ethics;public participation;religious ethics;research institutes;social impact
Subject
Middle East;Sudan
Journal Article
BMC Medical Ethics2009 May 22; 10:3:4 p.
Link for Internet access
Note
36
Primary Document Type
ja
Call Number
citation
Bibliography
12 refs.
ISSN
14726939
Collection
Citation
“Democracy: the forgotten challenge for bioethics in the developing countries,” Islamic Medical & Scientific Ethics, accessed September 7, 2024, http://imse.ibp.georgetown.domains/items/show/34557.