1. What is the ABN?

The Arizona Bioethics Network (ABN) is a non-profit network of concerned and involved health care professionals, lawyers, clergy, representatives of organizations and others who work with or care about patients and families facing ethical issues around the care they receive and the care they want or don’t want. The ABN, as an entity, has no religious or political affiliations of any kind although those participating in the network may.

2. What is the ABN Mission?

The ABN is a Community of Practice supporting practical health care ethics and an environment that improves decision-making and conflict management for patients and care givers.

3. How will ABN make a difference?

ABN uses its resources and the influence of its network members to provide leadership, information and tools for creating an environment in Arizona that provides education about and understanding of a process for ethical decision-making. The ABN works to assist families and care givers to reduce the moral distress and conflicts both so often confront when facing life changing or life ending choices.

4. How does ABN decide what to do?    

ABN moves its ethics agenda forward through a consensus process with those actively involved in the Network. Issues, programs, projects and other activities that help move the agenda to reduce moral distress for patients and care givers of all types has priority and is shaped by the participants.

5. How is the ABN funded?

ABN is currently funded under a 2 year grant from the St. Luke’s Health Initiatives (SLHI) which will end in June of 2012.  SLHI has challenged ABN to come up with funding to match anything SLHI might provide in the future.  During this second year of the grant, the ABN is developing a long-term strategy for sustainability and funding. An Executive and other committees were formed at the end of the first year (June, 2011) and reaffimed the stated ABN Mission. Fundraising is now an important part of whether ABN can fulfill that mission. Donations in support of ABN can be made by clicking the Donate button on this website.

6. What ABN does not do?

The Arizona Bioethics Network (ABN) website is designed for general informational and educational purposes only and does not render medical or legal advice or professional services.  ABN does not claim that the information at this web site, or at any of the other sites it links to, has completely current or accurate information on any topic.

7. Can you publish ABN materials?

The ABN is dedicated to education in the area of bioethics and ethical behavior in the use of information. Permission to reproduce images or texts of materials published by the ABN is granted when the use of the material in publications, in any format, conforms to the following terms:

• The images or texts are used for scholarly or educational (non-commercial) purposes
• The integrity of the images or texts used is maintained and appropriate and is not used to mislead or defame.
• The use of the materials in publication complies with any specifications attached to the materials and any copyright restrictions.
• Proper credit is given for the sources of images or texts used.