HIV Ethics Information

The arrival of HIV/AIDS has created a new discussion of ethical responsibility in the medical field. Ethics involve determining what is right and wrong through moral reasoning. The medical community has seen increasing debate over the ethical considerations for those suffering from HIV and AIDS.

Doctor Confidentiality

• A doctor is obligated to maintain confidentiality regarding a patient's condition. This is called doctor-patient confidentiality and means that without consent from the patient, a doctor cannot share information regarding the patient's condition with others, including close family and friends. As such, only under limited circumstances can the doctor divulge personal information. The patient, not the doctor, can waive this confidentiality.

Population Notification

• If a person is deemed to be at risk or to present a risk to others, then most state statutes allow a doctor to divulge personal information to the extent that they are able to properly notify others of a serious risk. HIV and AIDS are one of these areas where a doctor is ethically bound to help save others lives' at the expense of the patient's confidentiality. Aside from notifying those who may be at immediate risk, the doctor must notify the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to place the patient's information on the registry.

Patient Ethics

• While it may be difficult to deal with a diagnosis such as HIV, a patient has an ethical obligation to contact prior lovers who may have been exposed to the virus so that they can get tested and diagnoses. This is also to help prevent HIV infected individuals who are unaware of their condition from exposing even more people to the virus. Not only must a person notify past lovers, but she is ethically required to tell new lovers about the risk and to use safe sex methods.

Social Ethics

• There are many social situations that create an ethical quandary regarding HIV and disclosure. Those participating in sports events or activities where another participant may come in contact with infected blood creates much concern. While a solution for this has been to remove anyone with an open wound, it does raise the question as to who has a right to know whether someone is affected with HIV. Emergency care providers are at higher risk when responding to accidents and calls. School teachers and students may be unaware of the risks to them.

The Big Picture

• The considerations for public health and welfare are substantial with HIV. When considering the ethics involved with HIV and notification, remember that the issue has many sides to it. Legislation walks a fine line to protect the rights of each individual while protecting the public at large. At the end of the day, it is still the doctor and the patient who must make the ethically responsible decision on a case-by-case basis.