posted on 2022-03-28, 21:50authored byMichelle Qian Yang Lai
In August 2013 a New South Wales government Joint Select Committee commenced an inquiry into alternative sentencing options for convicted child sex offenders. One of the options under their consideration is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), a treatment that consists of administering anti-androgenic medication to decrease the level of testosterone to a pre-pubescent level. This thesis considers the option of offering ADT to offenders with the incentive of earlier release from incarceration, as an alternative to continuation of the full incarceration period. These particular conditions raise ethical questions regarding whether the offender's autonomy can be respected under what I describe as incentivized circumstances. I explore autonomy in the context of incentivizing offers, and examine the concerns of philosophers who debate whether offenders can make autonomous choices under such circumstances. The conclusion of this analysis is that while the choice conditions in which offenders are offered ADT do constrain the extent to which fully voluntary consent can be given to the treatment, nevertheless, offering ADT can be understood to enhance autonomy when offered to offenders with the greatest prospect of benefitting from such treatment. Finally, the thesis makes proposals as to the specific conditions in which ADT should be offered if it is to have the potential of enhancing the autonomy of such offenders.
History
Alternative Title
Ethics of androgen deprivation therapy.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Chapter One. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) -- Chapter Two. Autonomy -- Chapter Three. Can incentivised ADT be considered autonomy-respecting? -- Chapter Four. Autonomy-respecting ADT -- Conclusion.
Notes
Theoretical thesis.
Ethics of androgen deprivation therapy.
Bibliography: pages 44-48
Awarding Institution
Macquarie University
Degree Type
Thesis MRes
Degree
MRes, Macquarie University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Philosophy
Department, Centre or School
Department of Philosophy
Year of Award
2014
Principal Supervisor
Jeanette Kennett
Rights
Copyright Michelle Qian Yang Lai 2014.
Copyright disclaimer: http://www.copyright.mq.edu.au