A Framework for Military Bioethics

13 Journal of Military Ethics 331 (2015)

Case Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2015-20

37 Pages Posted: 26 Sep 2015

See all articles by Maxwell Mehlman

Maxwell Mehlman

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Stephanie Corley

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Date Written: September 23, 2015

Abstract

A widely-accepted framework governs biomedical research and the practice of medicine in the civilian sector, but no such framework exists to guide the military in how it should treat its own personnel. Civilian bioethical principles are unsuitable because of fundamental differences between civilian and military core values. This paper proposes a framework for military bioethics. It begins by describing core military values, articulating how they differ from civilian goals and values, and explaining how these differences limit the ability of civilian bioethical principles to govern military biomedicine. The paper then puts forward a set of more appropriate principles for the military and discusses how these principles apply in three main areas of controversy within military bioethics: the use of military personnel as research subjects; the deployment use of biomedical agents; and the obligations of military physicians towards their own troops.

Keywords: military bioethics; human subjects research; military physicians; proportionality; paternalism; fairness

JEL Classification: K32

Suggested Citation

Mehlman, Maxwell and Corley, Stephanie, A Framework for Military Bioethics (September 23, 2015). 13 Journal of Military Ethics 331 (2015), Case Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2015-20, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2664796

Maxwell Mehlman (Contact Author)

Case Western Reserve University School of Law ( email )

11075 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106-7148
United States

Stephanie Corley

Case Western Reserve University School of Law ( email )

11075 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106-7148
United States

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