Bioethics: a compass to guide our path

Abstract

We start this issue of Bioethics with the theme that has dominated the discussions on health worldwide: decision-making during the Covid-19 pandemic. Inevitable dilemmas arise in clinical practice due to the increased demand for health services and to the great knowledge gap still surrounding the disease. Even if supported by protocols and resolutions, having to choose who will be prioritized in intensive care unit beds – given their scarcity – causes us some uneasiness; the uncertainty of whether we acted correctly or not. Whether decisions are based on deontology or utilitarianism, for example, we know that both paths have limitations and will have a profound impact on society. This is the exact reason why bioethics remains a safe and useful path for those on the front lines.