Ethics is a branch of philosophy that attempts to help us understand which ways of life are worth following and which actions are right or wrong. Ethics address questions of right or wrong using reason rather than faith or tradition.
Medical ethics is the field of study dealing with moral problems created by the practice of medicine. Medical ethics is divided into three branches; 1) public policy medical ethics, 2) biomedical ethics, and 3) clinical ethics.
Public Policy Medical Ethics
Public policy medical ethics deal with issues related to the regulation of medical practice by government and governing boards in hospitals and nursing homes. For example, the established spending limits for public health care. These limits raise questions about type and extent of medical services available to people who depends on public funds. Other problems involving public policy include the control of medical research, who has the right to health care, and the availability of drugs for sever illnesses.
Biomedical Ethics
Biomedical ethics addresses moral questions that arise from the use of medical technology to begin or to maintain life. One important issue is euthanasia, the practice of painlessly putting to death people who are hopelessly injured or terminally ill.
Clinical Ethics
Clinical ethics evaluates the morality of decisions about medical care made by or with patients and their family. Problems of clinical ethics include deciding to remove life sustaining treatment, making medical decisions for an unconscious person, and dealing with request of euthanasia.