Question

• How do you define privacy? • Do you believe privacy is a moral right? Why or why not? • Are there any cases in which public health policy justifies the violation of the right to privacy?

Answer 1

Privacy is described as the act of maintaining security and confidentiality of a person physically or a persons data in form of information as per the patients preference. It makes sure that a Patient is given importance and the healthcare workers do respect the Patient and his documents.

Privacy as moral right

Privacy is a human right as per UN. Privacy safeguards many other rights and values such as autonomy, freedom of association and freedom of speech. Privacy helps a patient exercise the following values 1. Autonomy 2. Confidentiality of records, documents and prevention of embarrassment. 3. Gains confidence of the Patient and maintains good communication. 4. Acknowledgement of human as an individual 5. Prevention of economic harm and descrimination.

Privacy not as a moral right

Privacy does safeguard the Patient and his information but it can also prevent benefit to the community. It can defer the Patient from sharing his documentation which is considered as a part of good cause. If there is no balance between desciplined and freedom of privacy, it can render harmful to the society.