Bioethics and Case Study Worksheets

Ethical Theories Worksheet

Part One

Propose a solution to the following scenario using each of the five ethical theories presented in this module. Explain how your solution aligns with the major ideas within each theory.

 

Scenario: There is a pandemic of a contagious disease. In the United States, there is only enough of the vaccine to cover 70% of the population. How do you determine who gets the vaccine?

 

Theory	Solution
a.      Utilitarianism
b.      Rights-based ethics
c.      Duty-based ethics
d.      Justice-based ethics
e.      Virtue-based ethics

Part Two

Consider the same scenario, but explain what process you would need to add to your solution to protect the bioethics principles.

 

Principle	Solution
a.      Autonomy
b.      Beneficence
c.      Nonmalfeasance
d.      Justice

Section II Resources:

You will use the following case study to complete the worksheet below:

• Surgery: Iturralde v. Hilo Medical Center USA
• Hawaiian jury finds doctor liable for inserting screwdriver in patient’s spine (Supplemental

article)

Describe the Case Worksheet

Issue (What facts and circumstances brought these parties to court?)
● Who are the parties in this case: plaintiff and defendant?
● What facts and circumstances brought these parties to court?
● Is the court deciding a question of fact—i.e., are the parties in dispute over what happened? Or is it a question of law—i.e., is the court unsure which rule to apply to these facts?
● Which facts of the case raise issues?
● What are the nonissues?
● Other