Module 5 IH
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Module 5: Global Ethical Issues
Ariel Davis
Rasmussen University
H440/HSA4124: International Healthcare
Mischelle Henry
12/10/2023
International Investigate Control Administrator
Drug Department
Global Health Care Company
To whom it may concern,
Recently I was made aware of news about the pharmaceutical division debating about the potential of outsourcing your clinical trials for a new female birth control patch in underdeveloped countries. I am writing this letter to you as this has brought many moral and ethical questions to light, and as a consumer of your products, I feel it is my duty to at least bring
these concerns to your attention. One immediate ethical conundrum is that during the study, we must guarantee that all research volunteers are voluntarily participating without any duress. Additionally, the participants must be granted the freedom to leave the study (without any repercussions) at any time. A further concern of mine is the age limit of participants. Are we able to guarantee that all participants are of 18 years of age or older?
Additionally, how are we to ensure that all participants are treated humanely and with respect regardless of age, sex, and religion, and by which laws will we be following (international law or
the home country)? As moral beings, we must ensure that there is no corruption, but instead charity. Although this trial is being performed to test impacts of a female contraception patch, it is imperative all participants are assured proper financial compensation, along with full and complete communication. All participants in the trials must be informed exactly what is going on, and the potential health issues that could occur, as well as how their reproduction may be harmed in the long term.
One last ethical concern that I have is if the native culture and/or religion(s) are being respected and adhered to for the participants? As we have learned in many of our foreign wars, we are visitors to foreign lands, and we must win the hearts and minds of the people to be successful. Much of that begins with respect for the people, their land and their religions and customs. For example, in Somalia, strange men must not touch or talk to married women, as this is a highly religious Islamic culture.
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One such ethical issue that comes to mind is that the participants are primarily from a lower socio-economic status, this has the potential for a lack of oversight, as well as the exploitation of women. As trials typically offer financial compensation, this brings up questions as to how you will ensure that none of these women are being sexually exploited by others, for financial gains? Additionally, for many people, clinical trials may be the only means of access to health care. For numerous groups in underdeveloped countries, the high costs of healthcare and lack of transportation have hindered the success of long-term clinical trials. Are you able to ensure that all participants can receive basic check-ups, have access to medications, and establish preventative care with a long-term provider? In conclusion, clinical trials in underserved countries come with the potential for many moral and ethical quandaries. It brings the question of which laws are to be followed, United States, International, Local or God’s laws? Additionally, it brings to bear the questions of oversight of applicants, patients, and practician. How do we as the wealthiest country ensure that we are not exploiting the poor, for our own benefit? We must ensure that we do what is ethically, and morally right, and bring good to this world.
Sincerely,
Ariel Davis
REFERENCES
Macklin, R. (n.d.). Ethics and Reproductive Health: a principled approach. World Health Organization
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/54277/whsq_49_1996_p148-
153_eng.pdf?sequence=1
World Health Organization (WHO). (2011). The Sexual and Reproductive Health of Young Adolescents in Developing Countries
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/70569/WHO_RHR_11.11_eng.pdf
Weigmann K. (2015). The Ethics of Global Clinical Trials
https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.201540398
Emro. 3 June 2015. Somalia: Health Crisis Update Graphs
https://www.emro.who.int/images/stories/eha/documents/infographic-somalia-
health_sector_update.pdf?ua=1
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