Public Engagement as a Form of Moral Leadership

Government leaders and social influencers are using "informed consent," "choice," and other bioethical terms related to autonomy to justify dramatically weakening U.S. vaccination policy. In response, we call on bioethicists to help the public understand that the mere availability of choice does not ensure that a moral choice is made. Bioethicists have the skills, and, we hope, the willingness, to help the public understand that there are equally important values, such as care and concern for the well-being of others, a recognition of human interdependence, and a shared sense of responsibility to build a society that can benefit all of us. Moving some hearts and minds to see why personal autonomy is not the only moral consideration would be an important advance in the national conversation and an important form of moral leadership.