Bioethics in Nicaragua

Abstract

This work describes the bioethics situation in Nicaragua, with information on the circumstances and the context of activities in medical education and health care providers.

The development of a new model of comprehensive health care-the implementation of health care policies that guarantee Nicaraguans better access to care and services free of charge, and the changes that have occurred in medical care, due in part to the growing recognition of greater patient autonomy and the increase in the use of new medical technologies-all have contributed in some part to current obstacles and dilemmas in medical clinics and between health care personnel.

Bioethics in Nicaragua is in the initial stage of development. It is neither institutionalized nor is it subject to formal mechanisms that permit the resolution of complex ethical problems, thus presenting an important challenge for institutions of higher learning and decision-makers in health.