Safeguarding being: a bioethical principle for genetic nursing care.
This philosophical inquiry examines the nature of the technology of genetic predisposition testing and its relation to patients as whole persons. The bioethical principles of non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy and justice are judged insufficient to resolve issues associated with use. A new principle of 'sustained being', drawn from philosophical propositions of Pellegrino, is suggested. The new principle is suited to an evolving practice and is compatible with consequentialist, deontological and relational ethics theories. The notion of 'taking care' is related to nursing in genetic health care to form a standard of conduct and a moral imperative to 'safeguard being'.
Giarelli
Ellen
E
Research Projects Director, Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, 420 Guardian Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. giarelli@nursing.upenn.edu
D004645:Empathy; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000941:ethics*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D028662:Principle-Based Ethics; D012449:Safety