American Journal of Bioethics.

Physicians’ Duties and the Non-Identity Problem

By Tony Hope Pages: 21-29

The non-identity problem arises when an intervention or behavior changes the identity of those affected. Delaying pregnancy is an example of such a behavior. The problem is whether and in what ways such changes in identity affect moral considerations. While a great deal has been written about the non-identity problem, relatively little has been written about the implications for physicians and how they should understand their duties. We argue that the non-identity problem can make a crucial moral difference in some circumstances, and that it has some interesting implications for when it is or is not right for a physician to refuse to accede to a patient’s request. If a physician is asked to provide an intervention (identity preserving) that makes a person worse off, then such harm provides a good reason for the physician to refuse to provide the intervention. However, in cases where different (identity-altering) interventions result in different people having a better or worse life, physicians should normally respect patient choice.

 

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AJB 12(8)_final

Volume 12, Issue 8
August 2012

Target Articles.

Patient Advocacy in Clinical Ethics Consultation Lisa M. Rasmussen
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Physicians’ Duties and the Non-Identity Problem Tony Hope
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Editorial.

Editors’ Note
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