American Society for Bioethics and Humanities

American Society for Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the exchange of ideas and fostering multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional scholarship, research, teaching, policy development, professional development, and collegiality among people engaged in all endeavors related to clinical and academic bioethics and the health-related humanities. The ASBH plays a crucial role in addressing the complex ethical issues that arise in healthcare, research, and public health.

History

The ASBH was founded in 1998 through the merger of three organizations: the Society for Health and Human Values (SHHV), the Society for Bioethics Consultation (SBC), and the American Association of Bioethics (AAB). This merger was motivated by the desire to create a unified voice for the bioethics and humanities community and to enhance collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds, including medicine, nursing, law, philosophy, theology, and the social sciences.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the ASBH is to promote the exchange of ideas and foster a multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and interprofessional approach to bioethics and the health humanities. The society envisions a world where ethical issues in healthcare, health policy, and health-related research are fully examined and addressed in ways that promote justice, equity, and the well-being of all individuals and communities.

Activities and Programs

The ASBH engages in a wide range of activities to fulfill its mission, including:

• Annual Conference: The ASBH hosts an annual conference that serves as a forum for presenting new research findings, discussing ethical issues in healthcare, and networking with peers. The conference features keynote speeches, workshops, panel discussions, and poster sessions on a variety of topics related to bioethics and the health humanities.

• Publications: The society publishes the Journal of Clinical Ethics, which provides a platform for scholarly articles on ethical issues in clinical practice, research, and policy. Additionally, the ASBH produces a variety of resources, including white papers, policy statements, and educational materials.

• Education and Training: The ASBH offers educational programs and resources designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working in the field of bioethics and the health humanities. This includes webinars, online courses, and certification programs.

• Advocacy and Policy Development: The society engages in advocacy efforts to influence public policy related to bioethics and health humanities. This involves providing expert testimony, submitting policy briefs, and participating in public debates on ethical issues in healthcare and research.

• Professional Development: The ASBH provides opportunities for professional development through mentorship programs, networking events, and leadership training.

Membership

Membership in the ASBH is open to anyone interested in bioethics and the health humanities, including healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, students, and policy makers. Members benefit from access to the society's publications, discounted registration fees for the annual conference, and opportunities for professional development and networking.

Ethical Standards

The ASBH is committed to upholding high ethical standards in all its activities. The society has developed a code of ethics that outlines the principles and values that guide the conduct of its members. These principles include respect for persons, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence.

See Also

• Bioethics
• Health humanities
• Clinical ethics
• Medical ethics