Ethical Dilemmas In Health Care

Introduction

Within the health care system there are several ethical dilemmas on a daily basis. Being a part of western medicine and American society we pride ourselves on many liberties. The United States Constitution safeguards American right to practice any religion we desire. (“Your Right to Religious Freedom”). In September 17, 1787 the constitution was officially ratified; this document was made so that we the people can assure that the government cannot gain too much power and potentially diminish the freedom of the people (Wood, G. S et al. (2010). Within the constitution the first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom

How the principle of autonomy fits into this dilemma is because, as nurses we are supposed to respect our patients and their wishes of treatment whether we agree with them or not. Ultimately patients should have the autonomy to choose or deny treatment. In this case the patient is the parent and child; as the legal guardians to the children exemption is a patient choice. The issue is until the child is old enough to make that decision on their own their parents are the ones primarily putting their children and others at risk. Beneficence in nursing is used to benefit patients by preventing harmful situations or improving quality of patient care by advocating for them when they cannot. For this particular discrepancy those choosing exemption puts others in the community as well as hospitalized patients at risk. For us this ethical principle is better addressed if nurses advocate vaccination rather than dismiss it. Fidelity can be described as being truthful, fair, and loyal and advocate for our patients (American Nurses Association). The best way this principle is relatable to the topic is by educating our patients and the community about vaccinations. With the media being so influential people tend to use it as their source for vital information. Being in the health care field it is our duty to be honest and truthful to

Top arguments in favor of mandatory vaccination suggest, vaccinations save millions of lives(“State Vaccination Exemptions for Children Entering Public Schools” (2014); this is not an opinion but a fact, vaccination offers 90-99% immunity to specific illness and has helped save lives since the first created smallpox vaccine in 1790’s. Vaccines have single handily helped prevent and virtually eradicate several deadly diseases such as polio (“State Vaccination Exemptions for Children Entering Public Schools” (2014). Ingredient use is safe(“State Vaccination Exemptions for Children Entering Public Schools” (2014); those involved in the development of vaccines do recognize that ingredient use in large quantity much like anything else may be harmful but the amount used in vaccines themselves is not. With that said adverse reaction are typically rare and the vast majority of major medical organizations including but not limited to the “CDC, FDA, IOM, AMA, AAP, UNICEF, AAFP, NFID” all agree vaccination is safe (“State Vaccination Exemptions for Children Entering Public Schools” (2014). They offer protection of our community which can save money on medical cost and protect for the future (“State Vaccination Exemptions for Children Entering Public Schools” (2014). Those whom choose to exempt their child from vaccination often support opposing views on