An Ethical Matrix for Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Abstract

Ethical challenges to the use of T&CM are wide-ranging. The vast majority of published concerns are associated with the potential for harm to human users but there are also concerns for the wellbeing of animals and the environment. The ethical matrix is a bioethical methodology that has proven value across a number of disciplines to aid identification and analysis of ethical issues. Its use entails the mapping of ethical challenges against the applied ethical principles of wellbeing, autonomy and justice. Using the ethical matrix, ethical challenges related to T&CM are identified. Following completion of the matrix, the full extent of ethical issues relating to humans, animals and the environment becomes evident.