Skimming through yesterday’s headlines, I was deeply saddened and disturbed by this story. A number of health professionals at a social welfare center in the region of Nam Dinh, Vietnam, were charged for “soliciting babies from unmarried mothers and impoverished families.” The children were illegally made eligible for foreign adoptions through forged documents claiming that they have been abandoned at the clinic. These illegal and grossly unethical activities lasted from 2005 to 2008. The incentive? Members of the group earned between $274 to $547 for their involvement.
As a dental student, I am often reminded of the privileges of being a part of a noble community of health professionals. When I am in my scrubs and providing care for patients – strangers who I have never met before – I understand that I have entered a relationship of trust and integrity. My patients trust me enough to disclose personal details that they would never disclose to friends or even family. By accepting the responsibility as their care provider, I have entered a pact to uphold the values and standards of the profession and to provide patients with the highest quality of care.
What were these health providers thinking? The field of medical ethics is expansive and deeply reflects on numerous complex issues facing our profession and society today. Often times, we are forced to make difficult decisions on very gray issues. Any good medical or dental education will provide some educational preparation for these challenges. During my first 2 years at Harvard Medical School and Dental School, we have had many discussions and lectures on ethics. Our training has also been enhanced by numerous hours in the hospital to build patient-doctor skills. These preparations have made medical ethics a priority in our training.
But there were no gray areas in this case. The depraved act of selling babies and taking advantage of poor families and single mothers is unacceptable. It is clear that the defendants were driven by economic incentives. As I reflected on this case, a number of questions quickly rushed through my mind. Was this an isolated incident (presumably not)? How has it remain hidden for so many years? Who else was involved? Where else is this happening? What needs to be done to prevent this? When money stands in the way of making ethical decision, everyone loses – especially patients.
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