What does the Rule of Double Effect (RDE) ethically justify?

The Rule of Double Effect (RDE) is an ethical principle that applies in situations where a single action can lead to both good and bad effects. It specifically justifies actions that have an intended positive outcome while acknowledging that there may also be unintended negative effects that occur as a result of that action.

For example, in palliative care, a nurse may administer medication to control severe pain with the intention of alleviating suffering. However, this same medication could potentially hasten the patient's death. According to the RDE, such an action can be ethically justified if the primary intention was to relieve pain and not to cause death, even if the latter occurs as a secondary effect.

This principle underscores the importance of intent in ethical decision-making, especially in complex medical scenarios, and helps healthcare providers navigate the challenges of balancing therapeutic interventions with the potential for adverse consequences.