Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor's action.
The doctor's action illustrates the tension between two medical-ethics concepts.
Beneficence is the positive duty to act in the patient's best interest — preventing harm and promoting well-being. Warning of serious long-term drug side-effects and recommending surgery reflects beneficence.
Paternalism is when the professional overrides the patient's autonomous choice, believing they know better. By convincing the family and pressuring a reluctant patient — whose original informed preference was medication — the doctor slipped from beneficence into soft paternalism.
Analysis:
- Ethically, autonomy (informed, uncoerced choice) is the cornerstone of modern medical ethics.
- Beneficence should inform, not override, autonomy — the doctor should have counselled the patient directly with balanced risks of both options.
- Using family to secure "reluctant consent" is procedurally consent but ethically coercion.
Ideal Conduct: Provide full information, respect the patient's decision, seek second opinion if needed. True beneficence empowers, not overrides, patient will.
Answered By:
Sakshi Negi
Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.
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