What does it mean if a medical professional faces an ethical dilemma?

An ethical dilemma arises when a medical professional must navigate a situation where they face conflicting ethical principles or values, making it challenging to determine the best course of action. In such scenarios, the professional must evaluate the options available to them, often having to balance competing responsibilities such as patient welfare, professional integrity, and legal obligations.

This situation typically does not present a clear choice, as it involves weighing the merits and consequences of different ethical principles, which can sometimes lead to moral distress or uncertainty about the right path forward. It is quite different from having a clear choice or being free of conflict, as an ethical dilemma inherently involves complex considerations that do not allow for straightforward resolutions.