65.
(p. 127)
Richard is president of a pharmaceutical company which is based in the U.S. but has a
substantial amount of sales in other countries. Richard’s company manufactures drugs
prescribed to those infected with HIV and other illnesses. He is informed by some missionary
workers that millions of people in Africa have HIV and that many have died. He is asked to
provide medication to certain locations in Africa free of charge. On the other hand, Richard has
also been asked by a group in the U.S. to provide medication free of charge to HIV positive
individuals in this country and to donate other drugs his company makes for the treatment of
other illnesses. Richard, in good faith and based on a good review of the company’s financial
position, believes that the company can afford to donate some supplies but not in the quantities
requested by both foreign and U.S. concerns. What do you believe is the ethical thing for Richard
to do under the circumstances?