Population Ethical Dilemmas

For the purpose of this discussion I will describe an ethical dilemma associated with the state of population and health disparities. I will discuss cultural underpinnings supporting the pros and cons of the health care reform and the Affordable Care Act in the United States. Lastly, I will explain the principles of social justice and human right protection in the reduction of health disparities. Ethical Dilemma associated with State of Population and Health Disparities

The definition of health disparities according to Healthy People 2020 (2016), is the greater or lessor extent between a population, such as race, ethnicity, sex, sexual identity, disability, socioeconomic status, and geographical location. These identities prevent individuals from accessing equal and quality health care. Health disparities are important indicators of a community’s health and provide guidelines for implementing interventions that would help decrease morbidity and mortality (CDC Health Disparities, 2011). The
Culturally competent care encompasses several principles such as doing no harm, (non-maleficence), generating a positive difference (beneficence), and equal and fair distribution of resources (justice). Human rights protection of inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights such as living a life that has adequate access to health care, food, clothing, housing, right to life, nondiscrimination, freedom of association, and religion (Andrews, & Boyle, 2016). Culturally competent care by health care systems, health care staff, government agencies, and community resources working within the framework of social justice and respecting human rights will help decrease health disparities in the U.S. and