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Transableism, disability and paternalism in public health ethics: taxonomies, identity disorders and persistent unexplained physical symptoms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 April 2007

Robin Mackenzie  and
Stephen Cox
Robin Mackenzie
Affiliation:
School of Law, University of Kent
Stephen Cox
Affiliation:
Ivy Court Surgery, Kent
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Abstract

Transableism is a term which refers to moving between states of being able and disabled by choice rather than by happenstance. Insofar as this may imply a choice to become dependent, claims upon the healthcare system are likely to result. In this piece we aim to explore some ethical and legal implications of such claims. In order to do so, we draw upon current debates over the place of autonomy, beneficence and paternalism in public health ethics, the taxonomy of disability and the status of persistent unexplained physical symptoms (PUPS).

Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Law in Context , Volume 2 , Issue 4 , December 2006 , pp. 363 - 375
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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