Coexistence of Ethics and Policies in Public Health

Ethical principles and policies that form the basis for public health laws can coexist mutually and simultaneously. Public health laws are often based on the public health policies and ethics of the country. They are formulated around the needs of the people (Callahan & Jennings, 2002). These needs change depending on the political and socioeconomic situation of a country. For instance, in the United States of America, public health policies are meant to protect the rights of every individual to access healthcare and to be protected against infectious diseases. Ethical principles surrounding public health are also meant for the good of the people. Principles such as individual autonomy, right to privacy, and the right to access basic needs such as health care, food, and shelter are important in safeguarding the physical and mental health of the people.
Public health is tied to social justice. According to