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J Med Ethics 2006;32:519-521 doi:10.1136/jme.2005.014258
  • General ethics

Public health and human values

  1. M Häyry
  1. Correspondence to:
 M Häyry
 Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, School of Law, The University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; matti.hayry{at}helsinki.fi
  • Received 6 September 2005
  • Accepted 10 November 2005
  • Revised 7 November 2005

Abstract

The ends and means of public health activities are suggested to be at odds with the values held by human individuals and communities. Although promoting longer lives in better health for all seems like an endeavour that is obviously acceptable, it can be challenged by equally self-evident appeals to autonomy, happiness, integrity and liberty, among other values. The result is that people’s actual concerns are not always adequately dealt with by public health measures and assurances.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

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