Question

Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile) is a type of bacteria that increases its activity with most antibiotic use, and is therefore very difficult to treat. Research shows that the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection is frequent handwashing. However, many people have flat-out refused to wash their hands in hospitals. The government is contemplating passing a policy to make it mandatory for people entering hospitals to wash their hands or else risk not being seen by doctors and being escorted out of the building against their will. Do you think the government should go ahead with this plan?

Consider and discuss the legal, ethical or practical problems that exist for each action option and conclude with a persuasive argument supporting your decision.

Answer 1

The government should not go ahead with this plan.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the government decides to proceed with its plan to pass a law that authorizes the management of a hospital to force people who refuse to wash their hands out of a hospital and deny them medical care against their will, then the government will be infringing on people's right to life. While it is necessary to prevent the spread of Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile) , any law that is made to that effect must not abuse the right of access to medical care which is a fundamental right of citizens. This action will be ethically incorrect because it amounts to a government using a high handed approach in discharging its duties.

However, the intention of such a law is to protect the citizenry from the bacteria Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile) . If such a law is not passed, more people may become infected by the bacteria owing to the carelessness of other people. This situation is made worse because the organism is resistant to antibiotics.

However, since prevention of the spread of Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile) is Paramount, I opine that the government should continue to enlighten citizens and appeal to them on the need to practice regular hand washing in order to protect themselves and other people. Passing the said law is a draconian approach to the problem hence it is not in line with the ethics of modern civilization.

It is more civil to continue to appeal to citizens and sensitize them on the importance of regular hand washing as it affects the spread of Clostridium Difficile (C. difficile) .