ethical dilemmas in medicine

Ethical dilemmas in medicine occur when healthcare providers face situations where making the best decision isn’t straightforward, often involving conflicting moral principles. For example, a doctor might struggle with respecting a patient's wishes while also wanting to prevent harm or promote beneficence. These dilemmas require careful consideration of patient autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Balancing these ethical principles can be complex, especially when decisions impact quality of life, resource allocation, or end-of-life care. Ultimately, resolving these dilemmas involves thorough communication, ethical reflection, and often, multidisciplinary input to act in the patient’s best interests.