2024-11-21 21:42:00
According to a note from the CSM sent today to the Lusa agency, Lucília Rosa Mateus Nunes is a doctor of philosophy at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa and is a coordinating professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, where she chairs the Ethics Committee.
Paula Lobato Faria is an associate professor at the National School of Public Health of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, a specialist in health law, with extensive experience in bioethics, human rights and public health.
The members of the Ethics Council are chosen by electronic voting.
The CSM recalls that the names of the judges chosen to be part of the Ethics Council were already known on 26 September 2024, “after a pioneering electronic vote, carried out through a platform developed” by the Council.
On that occasion, “judge counselor José Eduardo Miranda Santos Sapateiro was elected by the Superior Court of Justice, judge José Francisco Moreira das Neves by the Courts of Justice, and judge Pedro Leão da Costa Condé Pinto by the Courts of First Instance” .
According to the CSM, “the Code of Conduct for Judges establishes a series of guiding rules to ensure transparency, integrity and impartiality in the exercise of judicial functions”.
“This guiding instrument, approved in April and published in May 2024, defines ethical principles applicable both to the exercise of judicial functions and to private life situations that may affect the dignity of the office,” states the CSM.
The Ethics Council, with exclusively consultative functions, was established to express opinions on the compatibility of certain behaviors with the Code of Conduct, as well as to make recommendations on the application and updating of this instrument, promoting trust in the judicial system.
Read also: The Council of the Judiciary creates the Office of Occupational Medicine for judges
What are the key ethical challenges faced in public health during a crisis, such as a pandemic?
Time.news Interview: Exploring Ethics in Public Health with Lucília Rosa Mateus Nunes
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our Time.news interview series. Today, we have a very special guest joining us: Dr. Lucília Rosa Mateus Nunes, a distinguished doctor of philosophy at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa and a coordinating professor at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, where she also chairs the Ethics Committee. Dr. Nunes, thank you for being here!
Dr. Nunes: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss these important topics with you.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. As the chair of the Ethics Committee at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, you must face a variety of pressing ethical dilemmas related to public health. Can you share some of the challenges that you and your colleagues encounter?
Dr. Nunes: Certainly! One of the foremost challenges is navigating the ethical implications of health policies, especially during crises, like the pandemic. Decisions made in public health can have profound impacts on individual freedoms and societal norms. Balancing public safety while respecting personal autonomy is always a delicate task.
Editor: That’s a significant balance to maintain. How do you approach the ethical considerations when new health guidelines or regulations are proposed?
Dr. Nunes: We follow a framework that prioritizes transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based practice. Engaging different stakeholders—health professionals, ethicists, and the community—is critical. We conduct thorough assessments of the potential impacts of any guideline on diverse populations, ensuring equity and justice remain at the forefront of our discussions.
Editor: Community involvement sounds crucial. In your experience, how receptive is the public to ethical discussions surrounding health policies?
Dr. Nunes: Generally, the public is very engaged when they understand the implications of health policies on their lives. However, there can be a gap in understanding, particularly when complex ethical terms are used. Education and clear, open dialogues are vital in addressing these gaps. When people feel informed, they are more likely to participate in ethical discussions and support necessary health measures.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of education. In light of misinformation, how can we better educate the public about ethics in health?
Dr. Nunes: This is a challenging but essential task. We must prioritize clear communication—using language that is accessible and relatable. We can use various platforms, from social media to community workshops, to disseminate information. Furthermore, fostering critical thinking skills in educational institutions can empower individuals to ask questions and engage in discussions about health ethics.
Editor: Very insightful! Lastly, what do you see as the future of ethics in public health, especially in an ever-evolving health landscape?
Dr. Nunes: The future will undoubtedly present new challenges—such as the integration of AI in healthcare and the global implications of health disparities. We need ethical frameworks that are adaptable and forward-thinking. Collaboration between ethicists, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers will be essential to navigate future health crises effectively. It’s about building a resilient system that can withstand ethical challenges and prioritize the well-being of all individuals.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nunes. Your insights into the intersection of ethics and public health are both enlightening and necessary, especially as we navigate this complex landscape. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Nunes: Thank you! It was my pleasure to share these thoughts, and I look forward to seeing how we can improve our ethical approaches to public health in the future.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in! Stay informed and engaged with us at Time.news.
