Abstract

The US Department of Veterans Affairs is charged with the care of our nation’s veterans. Given that the VA’s patients and employees are as diverse as the nation itself, an overarching ethical theory is needed to inform its bioethical decision making and guide it as an organization. Among the major ethical theories, natural law is the most consistent with the unique mission and moral obligation of the VA. Natural law provides a set of objective and universal principles which are accessible to veterans and employees alike. It would clarify acute bioethics issues at the individual level and also serve as a basis for sound organizational ethics. While implementation might prove challenging, ultimately this theory is the only rational approach for an organization like the VA because its standards are equally accessible to all.