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“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” -  Winston Churchill

The Bioethics Committee at Ochsner is a diverse group of physicians, nurses, lawyers, chaplains, social workers, psychologists, and others who apply ethical principles to arrive at recommendations for resolving dilemmas in medicine and patient care. Our team relies on accepted moral rules, bioethical precedents from past decisions, and thoughtful reflection on the unique factors of individual situations. Ochsner is committed to respecting the beliefs and wishes of our patients, their families, and our staff.

The Bioethics Committee deals with the most pressing issues of the 21st century: the myriad distinctive moral challenges that arise with new findings and issues in medicine, the environment, and emerging technologies. We aim to help address these issues and ethical challenges with dignity and intellectual openness.

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Make a donation to support the bioethics fund.

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Bioethics Role

A major role of the Bioethics Committee is to staff bioethics consults when staff members, patients, or family members request them. The Committee is always focused on what is best for our patients who find themselves in very difficult circumstances and on how to balance the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence (to do good), no malfeasance (to do no harm), and justice in real people’s lives.

We are value driven and patient centered. That is why Ochsner is recognized for treating the most challenging medical cases and achieving the highest quality patient care and best outcomes in the region.

Our decisions are often tough, but yours does not have to be! Support is essential to our program. Your donation to the Bioethics Fund is a permanent and conscientious way to honor a colleague, loved one, or favorite physician.

Annual Bioethics Events

  • Clinical Ethics Symposium - Held the second Saturday in May
  • Bioethics Grand Rounds - Held the last Tuesday in November

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Over 700 clinical trials
being conducted at Ochsner.

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We change and save lives every day.
Your support makes it possible.