Biomedical Ethics Moral Argument Essay
Taiba Shah
Moral Argument Essay
This present thesis will use beneficence and autonomy for the argument in support of prescribing Viagra to Mr. S.
As a physician assistant treating Mr. S I would support prescribing Viagra to him. To support my position in prescribing Viagra I will assess Mr.S’s history with depression, effects of Viagra, his idea of quality of life, and decision making ability by utilizing elements of autonomy and beneficence.
Beneficence is described as an act to promote good for someone else (1). In the medical context it is further described as acting in the best interest of the patient (2). In upholding the principle of beneficence, I would support writing a prescription for Viagra to Mr.S. Although he states he is not experiencing any sexual dysfunctions he does takes anti-depressants and 58-70% of males on anti-depressants experience sexual dysfunctions (3). It is possible that Mr. S was uncomfortable answering questions about his sexual life because he is too embarrassed to admit he is experiencing some sexual performance issues. If that is the case, then he would benefit from a low-risk drug like Viagra because it will help him with the side effects from his anti-depressants. All medications have side effects and in deciding to prescribe Viagra the risks and benefits are weighed. If taken only when needed, the common side effects are mild headache, dizziness, nausea, and nasal congestion (4). These are low risks compared to the benefits the drug will provide for Mr. S. Beneficence is closely related to care (1) and as a PA it is my duty to understand and care for what is important to Mr. S. If Mr. S is not experiencing sexual dysfunction prescribing Viagra will still benefit his self-confidence by making him feel like “more of a man” which is important to him. Nonmaleficence, to do no harm, ties into beneficence (1). If Mr. S does not get Viagra it can harm him because it can affect his depression. If he is unhappy with his sexual performance and doesn’t get the Viagra, the unhappiness will disturb his mental state. He may also stop taking the anti-depressants because of the sexual dysfunctions he is experiencing, which may have adverse effects on his mental illness. Therefore, it is in the patient’s best interest to prescribe Viagra because it would help with any possible sexual dysfunctions, develop his self-confidence by improving sexual performance, and not prescribing it could adversely affect history with depression.
Autonomy or self-rule is composed of four elements (5). In examining Mr. S’s case I will be using two of the four elements: effective deliberation and moral reflection (5). Mr. S is requesting Viagra because his friend told him it would improve his sexual performance. His request comes from a rational thought process with a pattern which shows his effective deliberation (5). Mr.S’s friend gives him a recommendation, and he is interested because he wants to feel “more like a man”, therefore he goes to a provider who can safely fulfill his wish. He has some relevant knowledge that the Viagra will improve his sexual performance, and his way of fulfilling his wish is logical. Mr.S’s wish is consistent with his values and he has shown autonomy as moral reflection (5). His request is a product of thoughtful examination. Being able to perform well sexually is how he feels “manly” and Viagra increases sexual performance. His choice shows his values and he knows his decision will impact others like his wife, since he sates he wants to improve his sexual life with her. Additionally, I would provide him with more information about Viagra such as the side effects and the directions to ensure he is not ignorant and has made an informed choice (5). Since I have assessed Mr. S as mentally competent to make rational decisions I do not find a reason to interfere with his autonomy.
By using the principles of beneficence and autonomy this thesis has presented the position to prescribe Viagra to Mr.S. The thesis has assessed how Mr.S’s mental health, quality of life, decision making ability, effects of the medication have all supported my decision to act with beneficence and respect autonomy.
Work Cited
- Yeo, M., Moorhous, A., Khan. P., Rodney. P., Beneficence. Nursing Ethics
- AAPA 2019 Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession
- Higgins, A., Nash, M., & Lynch, A. M. (2010). Antidepressant-associated sexual dysfunction: impact, effects, and treatment. Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, 2, 141–150.
- Doctors, Superdrug Online. “Effects and Side Effects of Viagra.” Birth Control Around the World: Mapping Methods of Contraception | Superdrug™
- Yeo, M., Moorhous, A., Khan. P., Rodney. P., Autonomy. Nursing Ethics
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