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Ethicsbrief

Issue 68, ARM 2004

The Medical Ethics Department monitors medico-legal trends and developments all around the world, which are summarised for members of the Medical Ethics Committee in quarterly issues of EthicsBrief. This special ARM edition is introduced by Dr Michael Wilks, Chairman of the MEC and focuses on current work projects.

Chairman’s welcome
Welcome to the special ARM 2004 edition of “Ethicsbrief”.

The high point of the last year has been the publication, to enthusiastic reviews, of the latest edition of “Medical Ethics Today – the BMA’s handbook of ethics and law”. Running to over 800 pages, with a searchable CD-Rom, and containing several completely new chapters, this is set to become a standard text for students, doctors, lawyers and anybody with a deep interest in medical ethics. It will increase still further the Association’s national and international profile in this field.

In addition, we have been involved in two crucial areas of legislation. Through our own efforts, and also in our leadership of the Transplant Partnership, we have successfully lobbied for organ donation legislation. That this has appeared within the Human Tissue Bill has posed significant difficulties, as the Bill’s main focus, and the area of greatest controversy, is to establish an acceptable consent process for organ retention. Our discussions with government, and the efforts of our Parliamentary Unit have involved the whole BMA, not just the “professional” side, demonstrating the power of a membership association that extends itself beyond its representational role.

Our second area of parliamentary activity has been to discuss, and help write, the codes of practice for legislation on mental incapacity. Although Scotland is familiar with this issue, introduction of what is likely to be called the Mental Capacity Bill has been preceded by careful discussion on the implications for health care decisions.

Reading through this briefing, you will see how wide our activities are spread, and how many areas of ethics we have to keep on top of at any given time. A great strength of the committee is that the appointed and co-opted members, most of whom are not doctors, are balanced by an elected medical membership experienced in the practicalities of medicine, with an interest in ethics, and an ability to approach problems and dilemmas with an open mind.

Membership of the committee creates an opportunity to be involved in fascinating debates, and the responsibility of creating practically relevant policy and advice. If this interests you, please think about joining the large number of people who each year seek election from the RB. Remember, however, that a great deal of material has to be read, commented on and considered. I would ask anybody who is thinking of standing for the committee in the new session to think about the commitment, and the skills needed.

I hope you enjoy reading this summary of our work. Have a good ARM.

Michael Wilks
Chairman, Medical Ethics Committee