Mohammad Rasekh, Mojgan Khorshidi, Faezeh Amiri,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (19 2012)
Abstract
Posthumous reproduction has recently emerged in line with the development of assisted reproduction technology (ART) methods. In this method, individuals take steps to freeze their gametes or embryos for posthumous insemination or reproduction. However, diverse moral and legal questions ensue, and it is important to preserve human dignity and protect the child's rights and interests. In this regard, from an ethical point of view, we discuss supporting and opposing arguments on autonomy, consent, and the child’s interests. We reason that any measure to be taken on the gamete after death has to be based on the autonomy of the deceased and his/her explicit or implicit consent as to the posthumous use of the gamete. On the legal aspects, we discuss proprietary rights over gametes, filiation of the child, and his/her inheritance. In our opinion, non-financial authority over one’s organs, tissues and cells, as well as parenthood and conditional inheritance are plausible answers in these regards. Evidently, the legal system cannot address these issues without taking into account the ART developments and contemporary expediencies. This in turn depends on taking a modern stance relying on justifiable moral and legal principles. Moreover, it will help identify shortcomings of the legal system in this regard.
Hooman Khorshidi, Saeed Raoofi,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (8-2016)
Abstract
Replacement of missing teeth with dental implants has received growing popularity in recent years. In order to select the proper treatment plan the clinician should provide a list of all applicable options. Decisions on the treatment of the edentulous area should be performed in consultation with the patient while taking into account the four principles of bioethics, that is, respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. The dentist must inform the patient of all available treatment options and point out the advantages and disadvantages of each modality. Rendering dental services should not be based on wrong principles, so dentists’ knowledge and professional skills must be up-to-date. Informed consent is crucial, and when obtained prior to implant placement, typically will bring about better results and prevent many ethical and legal issues and conflicts. Understanding and approval are two important components of informed consent that can hasten the process of patient recovery. Moreover, patient requests and expectations should not lead to incorrect and unethical decisions on the part of the dentist. Implant dentistry may be a suitable option in replacing missing teeth, but it does not license tooth extraction in any way, as natural teeth should not be extracted in the hope of dental implants. Dental implants are not permanent, are not resistant to infection and disease, are not without risks and complications, and more importantly, require comprehensive care.
Mojtaba Parsa, Azam Khorshidian,
Volume 10, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
The emergence of different types of economic relations and the desire of professionals to earn more income has led to new challenges such as conflicts of interest in the dental profession. The community expects dentists to prioritize the health and the interests of their patients in their professional activities. In this regard, one of the most important dilemmas is the confrontation between the professional duties of dentists and their profit. Business goals being preferred rather than providing specialized knowledge services by dentist is a major concern, which can lead to patients’ distrust. Fee splitting, Self-referral, receiving gifts from the patient and industrial companies are among the most significant type of conflicts of interest in the profession, which are discussed in this article in the form of four clinical cases.
Azam Khorshidian,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (Supplement of 11th Annual Iranian Congress of Medical Ethics 2024)
Abstract
Nurses are committed to protecting the rights of their patients. However, significant challenges often arise in their communication with physicians and patients. In some situations, nurses feel that patient autonomy is not respected, and sufficient, appropriate information is not provided to patients and their families. These challenges are particularly pronounced in pediatric nursing, as children often cannot fully express their needs. Pediatric nurses must be especially sensitive to the vulnerability of children and their families, actively supporting their welfare and best interests. When a child is suffering from a serious illness or nearing the end of life, the ethical challenges become even more complex. Some of these challenges include:
- How should healthcare decisions be made for these children?
- Who should make these decisions?
- How is the best interest of these children determined?
- Who can best advocate for children's rights?
- When treatment involves life-sustaining therapies (LST), is preserving life more important than ensuring quality of life?
- Who has the authority to transition from therapeutic or life-sustaining interventions to palliative care?
To address these challenges, nursing associations in various countries have developed ethical charters. However, no universal consensus or definitive solutions exist for navigating these complex clinical situations. Consulting experts across different fields and developing comprehensive professional ethics codes can serve as valuable guidance for pediatric nurses making ethical decisions in cases of serious illness.
