Βιοηθικά ζητήματα και πανδημία

Abstract

The 21st century seems to be the period of biology and the effort of man to intervene in a multitude of actions concerning bioethical, medical and ethical issues and especially man. In recent years, issues of bioethics have become very important as it has become widely understood that citizens, regardless of age will have an obligation, at some point in their lives, to make ethical decisions about how they use science and technology. Man can deal daily with situations he is faced with such as illnesses, natural disasters and other emergencies where preparation is required to deal with them. The WHO (2020) states that a pandemic of a new highly contagious virus, most likely a strain of influenza, in which most people are not immune is inevitable. The corona virus pandemic, an unprecedented threat to life, puts a lot of pressure on health systems worldwide and especially on Intensive Care Units (ICUs). As the pandemic unfolded, doctors, politicians, and the media were saying that the virus was infecting both the financially disadvantaged and the economically incapacitated, giving citizens a sense of concern. The COVID-19 pandemic is not new to humanity. There have also been devastating pandemics and epidemics in the past. However, both the situation we are going through and the everyday life we are experiencing are unprecedented in the year 2021. The new changes in our living in the community environment have changed radically. A simple walk in nature is no longer the same. The use of a protective mask, as well as the imposed measures, applies to everyone. Despite the imposing conditions presented by the government and the unfavorable situations experienced by every citizen without exception, one could say that society is experiencing a test and through it will be taught a sense of responsibility, respect for fellow human beings. As well as raising awareness among older people. But how is all this confused with Bioethics? Bioethics, the branch that unites the knowledge of Biology, Medicine, Ethics, and Theology, is faced with numerous challenges and dilemmas concerning the COVID-19 pandemic we are going through. However, some questions such as: Who will decide at the crucial moment regarding who will occupy and who will not occupy a prominent position in the ICU?» Are difficult to answer. Research shows that there is a global consensus on “compulsory” learning more ethical and social issues related to science and technology in all areas of education. In a general context, therefore, without any kind of evaluation, at the center of the interests of Bioethics are, among others, human subjects, death, reproduction, the role of genetics, the issues of organ transplantation, etc. Thus, with the very first contact, it is understood why Bioethics is an integral part of our lives.