Health Ethics
Write a paper nine pages in length, double spaced, with a twelve point, times new roman font, and one inch margins. In the paper, consider ONE of the following cases:
1) Canada recently pledged a total of 200 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to a program distributing them to low and middle income countries. At the same time, Canada has been criticized for not following through or acting fast enough on its promises to distribute vaccines abroad.
How should Canada have prioritized its own vaccine needs against those of other countries?
Is its current proposal to distribute 200 vaccine doses sufficient and timely, too little too late, or a failure to protect the interests of Canadians?
What values are related to distributive justice are relevant to answering this question?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-promises-covid-vaccine-doses-1.6231465 (Links to an external site.)
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-thursday-edition-1.6219522/rich-countries-only-shared-14-of-covid-19-vaccine-doses-promised-to-poorer-nations-report-1.6219969
Your paper should have the following structure:
First, give a very short (two or three sentence) introductory paragraph that includes a clear statement. Be specific. Example: In this paper, argue that Kass’ public health ethics framework demonstrates that there should be no criminal penalties for the personal use of currently illicit drugs.
Second, give any facts relevant to the case, proposed policy, and to your argument. For example, you may wish to discuss issues around the safety of the illicit drug supply in BC. You may use the readings from class, journals, newspapers, and online resources for this task. You must include at least five high quality outside resources for this part of the paper.
Third, provide an argument for your thesis. Be clear as to your assumptions and claims and how they are defended. You should draw on the ethical frameworks/principles discussed in class for this task, modify one of these frameworks/principlist approaches, or suggest your own framework/principles.
In defense of your statement, clearly state the ethical values, concepts, frameworks, and/or principles that you are using, as well as the arguments supporting their use. Be clear as to why you are using these frameworks/principles, and why you believe this approach to be the best to use in this context.
Fourth, offer one or two critiques of your view. Put yourself in the position of a critic and offer the strongest critical response(s) to your view available. This portion of the paper allows you to make sure that you are developing the strongest argument possible by rebutting the best objection(s) your opponent can offer to your view.
Fifth, offer a response to your opponent. If you do not believe an effective response is available, grant the point and amend your thesis accordingly.
Sixth, in a single paragraph offer a very brief conclusion to your argument.
