Live by Design is a weekly News24 column by Dr Helena Dolny and Mapi Mhlangu on mortality and the conversations around it. " the discourse surrounding patients' right to choose how they die has ignited fervent debate. While some argue vehemently against this right, citing health professionals' perspectives, the nuance and complexity of this issue come sharply into focus.
Respecting the rights of patients is fundamental to providing quality healthcare. Patients have the right to receive accurate, understandable information about their medical condition, treatment options, and potential risks. Patients also have the right to make decisions about their healthcare, including or withholding consent for treatment. Patients' instructions such as"Do Not Resuscitate" should be respected.
Journalists navigate a complex interplay between personal beliefs and professional responsibility as they strive to report objectively on various issues. Balancing subjectivity with providing accurate information can be challenging, particularly when personal convictions clash with journalistic integrity. Ethical dilemmas often arise when journalists must set aside personal biases to uphold the principles of fair and unbiased reporting.
I request that we reflect on the interplay between professional obligations and personal beliefs and answer this question: How can people ensure that their deeply held beliefs do not infringe upon the quality and impartiality of the service they provide, irrespective of their field?