Ethical androcentrism and maternal substance addiction

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Ethics
• Feminist Ethics

Background:

• Bioethics is often dominated by a masculinist perspective, referred to as "ethical androcentrism."
• This approach persists despite the development of alternative ethical frameworks like feminist, narrative, and communicative ethics.
• The paper examines how ethical androcentrism manifests in bioethics practice among educators, ethicists, policymakers, and medical professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and critique the prevalence of ethical androcentrism in bioethics.
• To analyze the negative consequences of an androcentric approach on the treatment of maternal substance addiction.
• To advocate for a shift away from androcentric ethics in bioethical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of bioethical approaches.
• Case study analysis focusing on maternal substance addiction.
• Ethical critique of prevailing bioethical norms.

Main Results:

• Bioethics is shown to suffer from a persistent masculinist bias (ethical androcentrism).
• An androcentric approach to maternal substance addiction leads to inadequate treatment for both pregnant individuals and fetuses.
• This approach misrepresents the experiences of pregnant individuals with substance addiction, labeling them as "prenatal abusers."

Conclusions:

• Ethical androcentrism in bioethics harms pregnant individuals with substance addiction and their fetuses.
• Effective and ethical treatment requires moving beyond androcentric perspectives.
• A reevaluation of bioethical frameworks is necessary to ensure equitable and effective care.