Week 7: HIV/AIDS Prevention Scenario and Reflection Ethics

In the scenario assignments, you are asked to reflect on responses to the presented scenario. It should not just be writing down your first reaction or what you already know.

Reflection involves critical thinking, which means rethinking your existing knowledge and previously held opinions in light of what we have learned about theories of ethics, logic, and reasoning. You will need to question your current knowledge and beliefs. Discuss the main points of the debate, what stance you take, support that stance, and discuss the opposing argument. Also, discuss an ethical theory that would apply to defend your view.

To complete each scenario assignment:

1. Complete the entire scenario.

2. Fill out the template attached below, ask your professor for details on submission.

3. Compose the last question on the template reflection in a Word document and be sure to address, at a minimum, the following questions:

• Why do you feel the way you do about the issue presented?
• Of the four responses offered in the scenario, which do you think is the most ethical and why?
• Which ethical theory would you use to support your stance? Why does this theory work?

4. Support your conclusions with evidence and specific examples from the textbook, including a minimum of one theory of ethics to defend your stance.

5. Your reflection must be 1-2 pages in length and follow APA formatting and citation guidelines as appropriate, making sure to cite at least two sources.

6. Review the rubric for specific grading criteria

MODERATOR

Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for coming to todays session.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) present massive, global threats to human health.

And, discussions about HIV and AIDS bring up many ethics issues based on the marginalized populations most affected by the disease, because HIV and AIDS are tied to poverty, the sex trade, and other social issues that make progress difficult and education essential.

The question we will be discussing today is,

What immediate course or courses of action should we take to slow the spread of HIV and AIDS in Africa?

We would like to come to a consensus on this matter and publicize our recommendations.

MODERATOR

Our speakers today are Dr. Catherine Williams and Dr. Robin Meadows. Each has ideas about what we should recommend.

Dr. Meadows, may we begin with you?

DR. MEADOWS

Thank you.

We need to get more condoms into the less developed areas of Africa, where AIDS is running rampant.

Condom use decreases the likelihood of contracting HIV tenfold.

We also need to address real-world issues such as resistance in the supply chain.

Of course we want to stress education above all else, but education alone is nowhere near effective enough to combat this problem.

DR. WILLIAMS

I agree that condom use is vital, but we also need to implement mandatory HIV testing in some areas. It is potentially intrusive, but without it, no practical way exists to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Mandatory testing would bring huge benefits to both individuals and society, as the early detection and treatment of HIV has proven to be a successful way to limit the transmission of the virus to others, and to improve the survival rates of HIV-positive patients.

You mentioned resistance issues with the condom supply chain, and I agree. Some of the charitable organizations currently distributing goods in Africa refuse to distribute condoms for religious reasons, so we cant depend on condom distribution alone.

People who dont undergo testing will remain ignorant of their status and will continue to spread the infection in the community. We must have mandatory testing to convince infected persons to use condoms.

DR. WILLIAMS

The current average life expectancy in Zambia is 33 years. Thats the lowest in the world, and AIDS is a major contributing factor. Mandatory testing can identify those who pose the greatest threat to the health of the population.

We have to keep the greater good in mind here. What good are policies if people are still dying in such huge numbers? I agree that education and condoms can be parts of the solution, but the tests must be done.

MODERATOR

Thank you, Dr. Williams.

Can you please share with our audience just how many people are infected with HIV?

DR. WILLIAMS

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were about 2.3 million new infections in 2012, worldwide.

Thats more than 6,300 new HIV infections per day.

MODERATOR

Dr. Williams. A member of our audience wants to know if condom distribution programs work.

DR. WILLIAMS

10 out of 11 studies found that condom distribution programs increased condom use among participants.

However, these studies rely on self-reported information regarding condom use.

MODERATOR

Thank you.

MODERATOR

Those numbers are staggering.

For more information and statistics on HIV infections, visit the links provided in the Resources tab.

DR. MEADOWS

Circumventing a supply problem by committing a human rights violation is not an ethical solution, Dr. Williams. Mandatory HIV testing would have disastrous consequences for a person whose results are disclosed publicly. It would expose HIV-positive people to stigmas and dangers related to their professions, sexual orientations, or others fears.

A mandatory HIV-testing strategy ignores basic human rights to privacy and confidentiality as well as the concept of informed consent. Testing should happen, but it needs to be voluntary, accessible, and available with a guarantee that identifying information will not be released without consent.