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Conscience and conscientious objection in nursing: A personalist bioethics approach
Christina Lamb1, Barbara Pesut2
1The 3158University of Alberta, Canada.
Nursing Ethics
|April 8, 2021
Summary
Nurses
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Nursing Ethics
- Professional Ethics
Background:
- Nurses' moral agency and conscience are crucial for professional ethics.
- Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada presents new ethical challenges for nurses.
- Existing ethical frameworks may need reevaluation to address conscientious objection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the significance of conscience and conscientious objection in nursing.
- To support nurses in navigating ethically challenging situations.
- To propose a personalist bioethical approach to understanding conscience in nursing practice.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on conscience and conscientious objection in nursing ethics.
- Analysis of recent developments in Canadian Medical Assistance in Dying legislation.
- Application of a personalist bioethical framework to nursing practice.
Main Results:
- Conscience and conscientious objection are vital ethical concepts for nurses.
- A personalist approach can clarify the role of conscience in nursing.
- Ethical challenges require inclusive engagement across diverse moral perspectives.
Conclusions:
- Rethinking professional ethics is necessary to support nurses' conscientious objection.
- A personalist bioethical framework enhances nurses' ability to act as moral agents.
- Inclusive dialogue is essential for addressing moral diversity in nursing.
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