Dear All,
Someone sent me the following link. Since the story comes from the USA, what
we read about here has business implications: private medicine.
I think there is a fantastic lesson or two on business ethics arising from
this story.
1 When the child grows up and decides to sue its parents, what will the
outcome be?
2 What of the doctor who carried out the impregnation procedure: does the
Hippocratic Oath cover this and allow for it? One of the links even begins
with the paraphrase of the Oath "Above All, Do No Harm"
3 What are the financial implications for the NHS if we are allowed, without
let or hindrance, to choose any disability we like and inflict it upon our
offspring.
4 How does Economics deal with such a situation: rational economic man, who
is free to spend his money on what he likes?
5 Are businessmen free to provide these services at will?
6 Is Lesbianism the vehicle or the cause of this issue?
The story is here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_1916000/1916462.stm
You can find the Hippocratic Oath here:
http://classics.mit.edu/Hippocrates/hippooath.html
with slightly different versions here
http://www.med.umich.edu/irbmed/ethics/hippocratic/hippocratic.html
Is this a key phrase from the Oath for this debate?:
"... I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and
judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from
whatever is deleterious and mischievous ..."
and this?:
"... While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me
to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all
times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my
lot! ..."
Happy chatting
Duncan Williamson
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