Ethics Committee Core Curriculum
Religious and Cultural Issues
Sr. Sally Maloney and Rev. Richard Zajac
Religious/cultural beliefs must be considered in ethical
decision-making. Recognizing differences in values and cultures is
integral to upholding the individual dignity of patients.
Religious differences come into play in issues such as supplying
artificial nutrition and hydration, acceptance of blood transfusions,
decisions to withdraw treatment, and determination of brain death.
Conflicts may arise between the religious beliefs of a patient and
those of an attending physician.
Issues of culture are important to both patients and to healthcare
providers. Wherever possible providers should make reasonable
accomodations where the cultural values of patients are in conflict with
hospital procedures, unless the standard of patient care would be
compromised.
Other Resources
University of Pittsburgh Consortium Ethics
Program special issue of Community Ethics on "Medical Ethics
and Religion"
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1997, UB Center for Clinical Ethics and
Humanities in
Health Care
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Last Revised 9/19/97