Problem Solving And Decision Making In Bioethics

The purpose of the Signature Assignment is to develop a positional paper on the impact of bioethics in modern society. You are tasked (decision authority) to develop a distribution plan for your state’s life-saving medical resources (e.g. organs, stem cells, access to healthcare, etc.). Today there is significant more demand than supply. You should take everything into consideration: patients characteristics (age, past, and future health, faith, quality of life, risk/benefits, smoker/nonsmoker, any other factors you consider important in this decision making process). Specifically, consider the following elements in your paper: To what extent should we take into account individual responsibility for need in deciding who gets these medical resources? The needs of both Robert and Susan. Both need liver transplants. Robert’s Story Roberts’ liver is failing because he is a 75 year old recovering alcoholic, and smoked 2-3 packets per day throughout his life. Robert was baptized and attended a baptist church as a kid, but has not been very active in church. Susan’s Story Susan’s liver is failing because she is genetically disposed to liver disease. She is a vegan, a Christian, and was a marathon runner until her health status deteriorated. Post-transplant Prognosis Both have excellent post-transplant prognoses Robert quit smoking 5 years ago and started a new diet. Susan has been volunteering at the local soup kitchen and donated her body to science upon death. When should individual decisions and responsbility count priority for access to medical resources and health care? The papers should be 8-10 pages, double-spaced. Your performance on this paper will be based on the following criteria: content of material, organization and structure, mechanics and presentation, critical thinking, and integration of concepts of culture, faith, and principles of ethics/bioethics.