The ethics and value of contact tracing apps: International insights and implications for Scotland's COVID-19 response.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put health systems, economies and societies under unprecedented strain, calling for innovative approaches. Scotland's government, like those elsewhere, is facing difficult decisions about how to deploy digital technologies and data to help contain, control and manage the disease, while also respecting citizens' rights. This paper explores the ethical challenges presented by these methods, with particular emphasis on mobile apps associated with contact tracing. Drawing on UK and international experiences, it examines issues such as public trust, data privacy and technology design; how changing disease threats and contextual factors can affect the balance between public benefits and risks; and the importance of transparency, accountability and stakeholder participation for the trustworthiness and good-governance of digital systems and strategies. Analysis of recent technology debates, controversial programmes and emerging outcomes in comparable countries implementing contact tracing apps, reveals sociotechnical complexities and unexpected paradoxes that warrant further study and underlines the need for holistic, inclusive and adaptive strategies. The paper also considers the potential role of these apps as Scotland transitions to the 'new normal', outlines challenges and opportunities for public engagement, and poses a set of ethical questions to inform decision-making at multiple levels, from software design to institutional governance.

Midwives and human rights: dream or reality?

Midwives as predominantly women caring for other women are subject to the same human rights violations and abuse that affect all the women of the world. They need to know and recognise these human rights violations before being able to take action that will reduce or eliminate such harmful practices. In this article, I address gender-based violations of the basic human rights of particular concern to women during their childbearing years, such as personal safety, respect for human dignity, fair and equitable access to health services, along with autonomous decision-making based on complete and unbiased information. The ethical and legal foundations of human rights are discussed in relation to viewing women as fully human, fully persons. Guidance for midwives taken from key documents of the International Confederation of Midwives are offered as midwives work together with women to end gender-based violations of one's human rights.