Principle of Ethics
You are not a member of the doctor's culture but reside in a state where this practice is still legal. The plastic surgeon has agreed to perform this practice on a young girl, the daughter of a friend of the surgeon. The friend has authorized the procedure. The girl only knows this is a custom. You did not know that today you would be asked to assist in this procedure. You can refuse to participate (your job may be on the line in the future due to that decision). Or you can assist the surgeon. What ought you to do? We now want to examine the ethical issues involved. To do this, let's look at the role of relativism, moral truths, and other issues.
What would a subjective moral relativist say about what this doctor is doing? Do you agree with the subjective moral relativist? Why or why not?
Examine what a cultural moral relativist would say here. Do you agree with the cultural relativist? Why or why not?
Name and evaluate general criticisms of cultural relativism as being the wrong moral approach.
Is there an objective moral truth about any of the possible actions by the nurse and/or doctor in this case? Why or why not?
Cultural Moral Relativism
- Perspective: Cultural moral relativism suggests that morality is determined by the cultural norms and values of a particular society. If a practice is considered acceptable within a specific culture, then it is morally permissible.
- In this case: A cultural moral relativist might argue that since this practice is a cultural tradition, it is acceptable within that cultural context.
- Agreement: I disagree with this perspective in this specific instance. While respecting cultural diversity is important, certain practices, like female genital mutilation (FGM), are inherently harmful and violate fundamental human rights, regardless of cultural context.
Criticisms of Cultural Relativism
- Difficulty in Defining Culture: The concept of "culture" can be ambiguous and difficult to define, leading to confusion and inconsistency in applying cultural relativism.
- Moral Progress Impossible: If morality is solely determined by cultural norms, there is no basis for criticizing harmful practices or advocating for moral progress within a society.
- Tolerance of Harmful Practices: Cultural relativism can be used to justify harmful practices, such as FGM, child marriage, or human sacrifice, simply because they are accepted within a particular culture.
Objective Moral Truth
- Existence: Whether objective moral truths exist is a complex philosophical debate.
- In this case: I believe there are objective moral truths that apply universally, such as the right to bodily autonomy and the prohibition of harmful practices against children.
- FGM violates these fundamental rights. It causes physical and psychological harm and has no medical justification.
Action in this Scenario
As a nurse, my primary ethical obligation is to do no harm and to act in the best interests of the patient. Participating in this procedure would violate these ethical principles.
- Refusal: I would firmly refuse to participate in the procedure, citing ethical concerns and the potential harm to the child.
- Documenting Concerns: I would document my concerns thoroughly and report the situation to appropriate authorities, such as the medical board or child protective services.
This scenario presents a deeply troubling ethical dilemma. Here's a breakdown of the ethical considerations:
Subjective Moral Relativism
- Perspective: A subjective moral relativist would argue that morality is entirely personal and subjective. What is right or wrong is determined by the individual's own beliefs and feelings.
- In this case: A subjective moral relativist might argue that if the surgeon and the girl's parents believe this practice is morally acceptable, then it is morally acceptable for them.
- Agreement: I disagree with this perspective. While individual beliefs and feelings are important, they cannot justify actions that cause harm, especially to a vulnerable child.