Question

Essay question:

Why is paternalism negative for healthcare?

Answer 1

If we look at the dominant view, the concept of paternalism is considered to the incorrect or wrong as it basically breaches the autonomy or individuality of the other person. This can be seen as interfering with the decision-making process of the other person in fact, taking the right to decide good or bad for himself.

Paternalism can be seen as the initiatives or actions that are taken by the other individuals with the intention of promoting and safeguarding the interest and benefits of others but this will result in the form of taking actions against the will of the person under consideration or without his consent. In terms of healthcare, this can be seen as an act of authorizing someone else to direct or distribute the resources to the patients. This is not good in case of healthcare as the right of taking the decision for the self-health is taken away from the patient and all the medical or health-related decisions are taken by others which is not ethically correct.