Utilitarian Theory and Human Rights Essay

Human Rights Violations in the Workplace

Utilitarian Theory and Human Rights

Violations of human rights:

Firing a teacher for having IVF treatment at a Catholic school

The basic tenant of utilitarian theory is that policies should attempt to maximize 'the good' for the greatest number of people. It is a theory based upon the principle of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain for the majority. Upholding human rights includes minority as well as majority rights. Sometimes individual vs. utilitarian theory can be in conflict; however, at other times the philosophy can support human rights.

One of the most fundamental human rights is the right to religious liberty. According to Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status." Article 16 states: "men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family." Article 18 states: "Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion." All three of these rights were violated when a school teacher at a Catholic school named Kelly Romenesko was fired because she decided to undergo IV fertility treatments.

This violated the teacher's right to practice her religion, including her right to follow her own religion. According to the diocese, the teacher "agreed to follow church teachings when she was hired" (Catholic school teacher fired for having in vitro, 2006, ABC News). However, the teacher stated that her contract was vague and did not specify a ban on IVF treatment. According to the Catholic Church, "the in vitro technique was morally wrong because it replaced natural conception" (Catholic school teacher fired for having in vitro, 2006, ABC News). Romenesko, according to Article 2 has a right to practice her religion, even if she interprets Catholicism differently than the institutional church, and Article 16 supports her right to found a family. This decision is further supported….....