I. Dilemma
Late term abortion
II. Adequacy of the NASW Code of Ethics in Guiding a Social Worker through Late Term Abortion
The NASW Code of Ethics is inadequate for the issue on late term abortion to be addressed (National Association of Social Workers, 2007).
III. Resources Needed to be Explored to Reach a Better Understanding of the Issue
It is helpful to be familiar with the Code of Ethics of the American Nurses Association, Canadian Nurses Association, as well as, the International Council of Nurses to be aware of their positions on the aforementioned issue. Nurses just like social workers play a great role in the lives of the patients who may be faced with the dilemma with regards to late term abortion and so their Code of Ethics will help as well.
IV. Specific Principles or Standards from the NASW Code of Ethics
The following are principles from the NASW Code of Ethics that may be helpful in the decision-making with regards to the aforementioned dilemma: 1) “…Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making for all people…”; 2) “…Social workers seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own needs… Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader society…They seek to resolve conflicts between clients’ interests and the broader society’s interests in a socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and ethical standards of the profession…”; and 3) “…Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated…” (National Association of Social Workers, 2007).
V. Examples of How the Code Guides Conduct or Fails to Guide Conduct with Regards to Late Term Abortion
In relation to the principles stated above, the following are examples of how the Code guides conduct to the issue on late term abortion: 1) The Code will be able to guide because it is stipulated that needed information will be provided; this will help the client/patient decide on what should be done; 2) The Code is helpful because the social worker may help the client make up or change her mind with regards to late term abortion; the social worker will influence her decision as he/she sees fit; and 3) The Code will guide the client through the social worker in terms of doing what is ethically right according to their group/association (National Association of Social Workers, 2007).
But that is if the social worker will adhere to the Code aforementioned (National Association of Social Workers, 2007). Again, the problem is that, there may be instances wherein the social worker will not follow because there are no sanctions or legal implications that goes along with the Code (National Association of Social Workers, 2007).
VI. Adequacy of the Code to Guide the Service Provider
It does not guide the service provider adequately.
VII. Adequacy of the Code for Intended Use
It is not adequate for the intended use either because again it may not be that effective especially that social workers are aware that even if they break the code, they will not be sanctioned anyway (National Association of Social Workers, 2007).
VIII. Recommendations to Amend the NASW Code of Ethics to Provide More Guidance in Issues Involving Late Term Abortion
It is stated that, “Violation of standards in this Code does not automatically imply legal liability or violation of the law” (National Association of Social Workers, 2007). I would highly recommend that legal implications be made present upon violation of the Code so that it would give more power to the aforementioned ; so that the Code will be better implemented and followed (National Association of Social Workers, 2007).
References
Work Cited:
National Association of Social Workers. (2007). Code of Ethics of the National Association
of Social Workers. Retrieved December 20, 2007 from
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp
Works Consulted:
American Nurses Association. (2003). Interweaving Policy and Diversity.
Retrieved December 20, 2007 from http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume82003/Num1Jan31_2003/InterweavingPolicyandDiversity.aspx
Canadian Nurses Association. (2004). CNA Resolutions.
Retrieved December 20, 2007 from
http://www.cna-aiic.ca/CNA/about/meetings/resolutions/resolutions_01_e.aspx
International Council of Nurses. (2006). The ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses.
Retrieved December 20, 2007 from
http://www.icn.ch/icncode.pdf
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