Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative

Healthcare staffs are professionally obligated to provide their healthcare services and products with an ethical aim of protecting, the life and dignity of the human being. Occasionally, they encounter instances of ethical dilemma based on religious beliefs by the patient or their guardians as highlighted in this Case Study: Healing and Autonomy. Mike and Joanne are Christian believers have to make health care decision for their ailing son while ensuring they live in accordance with the biblical laws and standards. The parents seem to adopt a contradicting approach to the modern healthcare interventions in the delivery of safe and quality care. This essay will critically evaluate "Case Study: Healing and Autonomy" aiming to understand the implications of the ethical dilemma due to the conflict in Christian beliefs and the biomedical ethics.

The respect for autonomy is widely highlighted in the cases study. Legally and under medical standards, the parents are expected to understand the risk and benefits in order to make fully informed decision and give treatment consent (General Assembly of the World Medical Association, 2014). As decision makers and self-determiners of their son, they are expected to act and make the best-informed decision concerning their young son’s health. The medical staff such as James’ nephrologist and attending physician observe this principle by allowing the parent to make their free will decision on the matter without forcing their will. They offer professional guidance and relevant information on available medical options in the healing process to the parents. This erratic decision delayed the required temporary dialysis, worsening James health, and well-being leading.

As highlighted by Kluge (2008), highlights “A physician shall respect a competent patient's right to accept or refuse treatment” despite the ill-informed and indecisive nature of Mike and his wife they still retain the responsibilities in decision making and giving informed consent. The medical staff can improve doctor and patient relationship that enhances the parent’s consideration of the physician viewpoint during decision-making. The physician and nephrologist should utilize the personal and Christian values and belief of the parents to help them realize that medical ethics have a strong base on the biblical ethical and heritage(Levin, 2016). Alternatively, they can seek a legal platform for substituted judgment by proving that the decision and the circumstance would not have allowed a normal person to acts in the manner depicted by Mike and his wife (Kluge, 2008).

The Good Samaritan used the services of the inn to help the rescued man recover and heal. Mike should trust God would use the Medical health professional in the delivery of healing of the James. Conclusion Based on the case study, It is evident that Trust, understanding and collaborative partnership between patient, guardian, and healthcare professionals are critical to delivery and promotion of healthcare service. Moreover, contradicting religious and medical approaches to healing can affect decision-making and delivery of healing and care in the healthcare sector. It is important for religious bodies to highlight that biomedical ethics and principles are aligned with the God’s intentions of upholding, protect the human life. Levin, J. Partnerships between the faith-based and medical sectors: Implications for preventive medicine and public health.