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This essay considers the potential role of bioethics in disaster response planning and preparedness. Bioethicists can make substantial contributions, by ensuring that decision-making and distribution of resources during crises is carried out in a fair and just manner, as well as by examining the assumptions upon which disaster planning are based. Bioethicists should also be aware of potential pitfalls of overly-hasty engagement with this new field.
Notes
1Although we are aware of background disputes about whether bioethics is a profession and what kind of training qualifies one to do bioethics, this essay will not address these issues. Rather, we will use the term “bioethics” or “bioethicists” as shorthand to refer to people trained in bioethics, people doing work on bioethics issues, and/or people who self-identify as such.