The ability of public health authorities, the mainstream media, and the medical establishment to all coalesce around a central idea—that the pandemic could only be ended by deploying a novel vaccination platform on the public—is another key issue driving the need to rethink medical ethics. Healthcare decisions are becoming more centralized, decided upon by a select few rather than by individuals with their doctors. We see it here in the US, and also on the world stage as the World Health Organization seeks more power to deal with health “emergencies.”
These are among the disturbing and unique circumstances that triggered our work in building a new framework for health and ethics, suitable for our current era. The framework has 8 pillars, and today, we are delighted to be able to release the first pillar, concerning the all-important relationship between a health practitioner and his or her patient or client.
The 12 Propositions
You can reference the full report for a complete explanation of the 12 Propositions for the development of ethical therapeutic relationships. The 12 Propositions are:
Autonomy. Respect the autonomy of each and every individual by fully acknowledging his or her right to self-determination as well as the individuals’ needs and preferences.
Informed consent. Seek the informed consent of patients before taking or recommending any action that might influence the health of an individual.
Non-maleficence (‘avoiding harm’). Ensure that any actions taken, decisions made, or recommendations given avoid, prevent or minimize harm to the individual.
Beneficence (‘doing good’). Be respectful, kind, thoughtful, caring, and compassionate in dealing with patients. Regard the relationship as one of partnership.
Fairness and justice. Respect the right of all individuals to health and healthcare, while treating others as equals and also treating them equally.
Unconflicted practice. Never take advantage of any client or patient in order to further personal, financial or other interests, or any interest of any third party, be it an organization, company, institution, authority, or government.
Integrity and accountability. Be accountable and act with integrity, both professionally and personally, in each and every relationship with patients, regardless of circumstances or challenges.
Openness and transparency. Promote transparency by always telling the truth.
Privacy and confidentiality. Respect patients’ privacy and not divulge any personal information outside the scope of the consultation.
Non-discrimination. Don’t discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sexual orientation, heritage, nationality, genetics, background, religion, beliefs, disability or ability, political affiliation, social standing, or any other characteristic.
Respect for the dignity of all life and natural systems. Respect the dignity and inherent worth of nature and all living beings.
Reciprocity in human relationships. Recognize the ability to assist patients or clients will be compromised if health providers have not made the management of their own health and welfare a priority.
Widely publicized breaches of well-recognized principles of medical ethics have been particularly common since the COVID-19 pandemic was announced in early 2020. Such breaches include the common failure to exercise informed consent in the absence of coercion, and the withholding of early treatment protocols which had been demonstrated to be beneficial with minimal risk of collateral harm.
The latter breach was aggravated by widespread pressure from health authorities which threatened to strip physicians of their medical licenses if they deviated from the narrow confines of recommendations that were strongly influenced by vested interests.
Modern, western medical practice claims to hold autonomy at its heart, with the patient being at the center of decision making. Unfortunately, this key principle is often disregarded in contemporary mainstream medical practice. In its place, you will still commonly find the more paternalistic approach of old, where doctors make decisions on behalf of their patients (acting as ‘gods’ not ‘guides’).
Worse than that, you will also find many instances where the views of health authorities, these often heavily influenced by pharmaceutical interests, become the prime determinants of the medical approach. Another increasingly common trait of mainstream medical practice is disconnection — disconnection between people and from nature — a trend that can be accentuated by modern, ‘disconnected’ lifestyles and increasing reliance on technology, including digital systems and remote consultations.
There is an urgent need to reframe the ethical framework around medical practice. Effective, safe, and sustainable clinical practice must recognize fundamental human rights, the intrinsic free will of living beings, the significance of our connection with other humans and our natural environment, a non-physical or spiritual dimension, and the importance of the relationship or interaction between the health practitioner and the patient or client.
Health cannot flourish if our medical system prioritizes conformity and orthodoxy over individual sovereignty.