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What Is the Ethical Principle of Non-Maleficence
Non-maleficence emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that could potentially harm others. According to this ethical principle, professionals are morally obligated to reduce the risk of causing injury or harm […]
Non-maleficence emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that could potentially harm others. According to this ethical principle, professionals are morally obligated to reduce the risk of causing injury or harm to other people. Although non-maleficence is commonly discussed in the context of healthcare, it is a fundamental principle in many other professional fields. In healthcare settings, the principle of non-maleficence can influence providers to consider the advantages and disadvantages of potential treatments and interventions before suggesting the one that provides the most benefit to the patient.
Another consideration regarding non-maleficence is that it can mean avoiding causing harm or injury to others through acts of omission. For example, suppose a healthcare provider knows that a specific treatment can effectively address a patient’s symptoms but doesn’t offer that treatment even though it’s available. In that case, the omission of that option can cause harm. It can also be argued that if the provider upholds the ethical principle of beneficence, they will most likely also uphold the principle of non-maleficence, as both principles ultimately focus on promoting the well-being and welfare of the patient.
As mentioned, non-maleficence influences healthcare professionals when deciding on procedures, interventions, and treatments. This means that they must consider the benefits and risks of every action and choose the one that effectively reduces harm. However, non-maleficence also extends into other fields, such as law. In a legal setting, attorneys have a duty to avoid any actions that might harm the interests of their clients. Ultimately, non-maleficence is a guiding principle that encourages professionals to prioritize the safety of those entrusted to their care.
Sources
“Principles of Clinical Ethics and Their Application to Practice”. Medical Principles and Practice. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7923912/
“Principles of Bioethics”. UW Medicine. https://depts.washington.edu/bhdept/ethics-medicine/bioethics-topics/articles/principles-bioethics
