Doing the Right Thing - Doing the Thing Right

March 7 - 13, 2011

Almost every decision we make in our lives is based on values. In today's world, making ethical decisions is becoming increasingly difficult because our values as individuals and as a society are being challenged. Technological advances and the power of humankind to manipulate its environment raise questions previously unimagined. Greater citizen interest in decisions that affect our lives and demand for more and better information to make informed decisions have contributed to a burgeoning interest in the field of ethics and its fascinating complexity.

Health Ethics Week, taking place March 7 - 13, 2011, is an annual provincial initiative aimed at providing time and space for Alberta community organizations, health institutions, and individuals to address ethical issues related to health and well-being. It has been designed to encourage those involved with and in the health system, and all Albertans, about values - the things that are most important to us. We invite you to engage in meaningful, considerate discussion about what it means to respect human dignity, promote each other's well-being, and advocate fairness. These may seem distant and lofty ideals, but they are really closer at hand than they appear: you challenge them when you think about whether or not to have your newborn son circumcised, your relationship with your co-worker, your efforts to care for an elderly loved one, whether you eat genetically modified foods, believe that smokers should pay higher health care premiums or other ethical issues.

The pace and stresses of modern life do not lend themselves to careful reflection about what it means to be good or to do the right thing in such contexts. Health Ethics Week involves setting aside time to do just that. We invite you to join us in this exciting endeavour!

Goals of Health Ethics Week

Health Ethics Week, March 7 - 13, 2011, is a time set aside for Alberta community organizations, health institutions, and individuals to host educational events that explore ethical issues related to health and well-being.

Health Ethics Week has been designed with several goals in mind. It will:

• emphasize the importance of examining values underpinning the health system 
• facilitate the health ethics education of various stakeholders in the system 
• provide greater visibility for health ethics committees and health ethics issues across the province.

All Alberta organizations with an interest in health and well-being are encouraged to participate by hosting an activity exploring ethical issues.

What is Ethics or Health Ethics? 

An ethical issue arises in any situation in which people face choices about how to act that will have an impact on others. Health ethics is the branch of ethics that deals with ethics issues arising in the fields of health care, medicine and biology. It also includes issues that arise in:

• delivering health care (e.g., decision-making at the end of life) 
• promoting health (e.g. funding preventative vs. acute care) 
• conducting health research (e.g., gene therapy, informed consent), and 
• the relationship between people and the natural environment (e.g. genetically modified foods)

Who Should Participate?

All organizations, groups, and individuals in Alberta who are affected by or interested in ethics issues are invited to participate. This includes:

• Child and family service groups 
• Churches and religious organizations 
• Community based health organizations and groups 
• Environment and wildlife organizations 
• Health care institutions 
• Health ethics committees and research ethics boards 
• Health professional associations 
• Health-related businesses and corporations 
• Members of the public 
• Mental health agencies 
• Post-secondary institutions and grade schools 
• Regional health authorities and provincial boards 
• Social justice groups

Because of each group's unique associations with the health system in Alberta, everyone will have an important contribution to make and experience to share.

Why Should I Participate? 

In the face of a difficult ethical issue, it is not always clear what the right thing to do is. Nor is it always easy to do the right thing even when what this is, is clear. We can't depend on static, reliable rules because health, the environment and health care are not themselves static and reliable. But what we know for sure is that although the right thing to do may be contingent upon the unique circumstances surrounding an issue, we must remain committed to ethical decision-making processes and open lines of communication. Demonstrating this commitment is exactly what Health Ethics Week seeks to accomplish. By participating in Health Ethics Week, you will be fostering these skills and understandings not only in yourself but also in your group or organization and the community as a whole. The result, hopefully, will be more thorough, systematic and thoughtful deliberation about values in health and health care.

How Do I Participate?

Involvement in Health Ethics Week is encouraged at a level relevant to and comfortable for your situation. It may take the form of hosting a lecture, facilitating a discussion group, or organizing a half-day workshop for small groups. You are best able to decide where to focus your energies for maximum benefit. To assist you, discussion topics and group activities are suggested in this activity guide. While organizing an event will require a commitment on your part, the benefits to be accrued by such an endeavour will surely serve as a motivating factor!