South African Journal of Bioethics and Law

Scope & Guideline

Empowering research that shapes health policy and practice.

Introduction

Welcome to the South African Journal of Bioethics and Law information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of South African Journal of Bioethics and Law, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1999-7639
PublisherHEALTH & MEDICAL PUBLISHING GROUP
Support Open AccessYes
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2019 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J BIOETH LAW / S. Afr. J. Bioeth. Law
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPRIVATE BAG X1, PINELANDS, CAPE TOWN 7430, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of Bioethics and Law is dedicated to advancing the discourse on ethical and legal issues in the fields of healthcare, research, and law. It aims to provide a platform for critical examination and discussion of bioethical challenges, particularly within the South African context, while also addressing broader international implications.
  1. Bioethics in Healthcare:
    The journal focuses on ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals, including informed consent, patient autonomy, and the implications of emerging medical technologies.
  2. Legal Framework and Health Policies:
    It examines the intersection of law and health, analyzing legal requirements, healthcare regulations, and the implications of national and international laws on healthcare delivery.
  3. Research Ethics:
    The journal emphasizes ethical considerations in research, including the conduct of research involving vulnerable populations, data sharing, and the responsibilities of research ethics committees.
  4. Public Health Ethics:
    It explores ethical issues related to public health initiatives, including vaccination policies, health equity, and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare systems during crises.
  5. Social Justice and Health Equity:
    The journal addresses issues of social justice in health, focusing on health disparities, access to care, and the ethical implications of healthcare practices in marginalized communities.
Recent publications in the South African Journal of Bioethics and Law reflect emerging themes that are increasingly relevant in contemporary discussions of bioethics and law. These trends indicate a dynamic and responsive approach to current issues within the field.
  1. Ethics of Global Health and Humanitarian Law:
    There is a growing focus on the ethical implications of global health initiatives, particularly in conflict zones and during humanitarian crises, as seen in discussions surrounding healthcare access in Gaza.
  2. Genomic Medicine and Ethical Challenges:
    Emerging themes related to genomic medicine, including ethical considerations in precision oncology and genetic editing, reflect the journal's responsiveness to advancements in medical technology.
  3. Health Data and Privacy Issues:
    The journal is increasingly addressing the ethical and legal complexities surrounding health data sharing, particularly in light of new regulations such as POPIA, highlighting the importance of data ethics in research.
  4. Social Justice in Health Policy:
    There is a notable trend towards incorporating social justice issues in health policy discussions, with a focus on equitable access to healthcare and the ethical responsibilities of health professionals.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Bioethics:
    The journal is embracing more interdisciplinary perspectives, integrating insights from law, sociology, and public health to address complex ethical dilemmas in healthcare and research.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently addressed a range of bioethical and legal issues, certain themes appear to be declining in prominence based on recent publications. This may reflect shifts in societal focus or changes in the healthcare landscape.
  1. Traditional Medical Ethics:
    There seems to be a waning emphasis on traditional bioethical principles such as autonomy and beneficence, as the discourse increasingly incorporates broader social, political, and economic contexts.
  2. Conventional Legal Studies in Medicine:
    Legal analyses that strictly focus on established legal frameworks without integrating contemporary ethical challenges are becoming less common, indicating a shift towards more interdisciplinary approaches.
  3. Historical Analyses of Bioethics:
    Papers focused on historical perspectives of bioethics and law are appearing less frequently, suggesting that current topics and immediate ethical challenges are taking precedence over retrospective analyses.

Similar Journals

Ethik in der Medizin

Exploring Ethical Dimensions in Healthcare
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 0935-7335Frequency: 4 issues/year

Ethik in der Medizin, published by Springer, is a distinguished journal focusing on the interdisciplinary aspects of ethics in medicine, healthcare policy, and philosophical inquiries related to these domains. With an ISSN of 0935-7335 and an E-ISSN of 1437-1618, this journal serves as a platform for innovative research and discussion from Germany and beyond. The journal boasts an impact in several prestigious categories including Q3 in Health Policy and Q2 in Philosophy as of 2023, reflecting its significant contribution to the discourse on ethical implications in health and medicine. Although not currently Open Access, Ethik in der Medizin provides valuable insights for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the complexities of health ethics and policies, positioning itself as an essential resource in academia. The journal is undergoing important developments, as it converges from 2001 with a publishing timeline extending to 2024, ensuring continued relevance in a rapidly evolving field.

KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF ETHICS JOURNAL

Illuminating Ethical Challenges in Health and History
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV PRESSISSN: 1054-6863Frequency: 4 issues/year

The KENNEDY INSTITUTE OF ETHICS JOURNAL, published by the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Press, stands as a leading periodical in the realm of ethics, particularly emphasizing the intersection of health policy, social sciences, history, and philosophy of science. With an ISSN of 1054-6863 and an E-ISSN of 1086-3249, this journal has been a cornerstone of ethical discourse since its inception in 1991. Renowned for its rigorous peer-review process, the journal boasts impressive rankings, including Q1 in History and Philosophy of Science and Q2 in Health (Social Science) for 2023. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find this journal invaluable for navigating complex ethical issues, providing a platform for innovative research and discourse. Although currently not offering Open Access, its contributions to the fields of ethics and legal aspects of health are profound, making it an essential resource for those engaged in these critical discussions.

Revista de Direito Sanitario-Journal of Health Law

Bridging Gaps Between Law, Health, and Society
Publisher: UNIV SAO PAULOISSN: 1516-4179Frequency: 3 issues/year

Revista de Direito Sanitario-Journal of Health Law is a prominent academic publication in the field of health law, published by the esteemed University of São Paulo (UNIV SAO PAULO), Brazil. With a focus on the intersection of law and public health, this Open Access journal has been disseminating vital research since its inception in 2013, allowing for wide accessibility and engagement from scholars and practitioners alike. The journal serves as a critical forum for advancing discussions on health-related legal issues, policy implications, and regulatory frameworks. While currently positioned in the fourth quartile in health (social science) and medicine (miscellaneous), and the third quartile in law, its acceptance and visibility continue to grow within the global academic community. The insights shared in this journal are invaluable for those striving to enhance legal practice and health policy, making it an indispensable resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to the advancement of health law and its implications in society.

Journal of Practical Ethics

Transforming Ethical Inquiry into Action
Publisher: OXFORD UEHIRO CENTRE PRACTICAL ETHICSISSN: 2051-655XFrequency: 2 issues/year

Journal of Practical Ethics is an esteemed open-access journal published by the Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, dedicated to enhancing the discourse surrounding ethical issues in various fields, including healthcare, technology, and social policy. Since its inception in 2013, the journal has fostered a robust academic platform for researchers, professionals, and students to explore and publish innovative ideas and solutions to real-world ethical dilemmas. The journal's commitment to making research freely accessible emphasizes its role in bridging the gap between academic inquiry and practical application, thereby encouraging a broader engagement with ethical considerations across disciplines. As the importance of ethical frameworks continues to grow in an increasingly complex world, the Journal of Practical Ethics stands as a vital resource for those seeking to influence policy and practice through rigorous ethical analysis.

THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS

Navigating the Complexities of Medical Ethics and Law.
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1386-7415Frequency: 6 issues/year

THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS, published by SPRINGER, is an esteemed journal dedicated to exploring the complex intersections of medicine, ethics, and law. With its ISSN 1386-7415 and E-ISSN 1573-1200, this journal serves as a vital platform for scholars, practitioners, and students interested in the ethical implications of medical practices and innovations. Although it currently holds a Q4 impact factor in the categories of Issues, Ethics and Legal Aspects and Medicine (Miscellaneous) as of 2023, its relevance is amplified by its commitment to fostering critical discourse in a rapidly evolving field. The journal features a diverse range of articles that address profound ethical dilemmas in healthcare, making it a significant resource for contemporary research from 1997 to the present. As an open-access journal, it ensures that cutting-edge knowledge is readily available, inviting contributions that challenge conventional thought and advance the field of bioethics.

Asian Bioethics Review

Illuminating the Path of Ethical Healthcare Practices
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1793-8759Frequency: 4 issues/year

Asian Bioethics Review, published by SPRINGER, is a premier journal indexed with ISSN 1793-8759 and E-ISSN 1793-9453, dedicated to advancing discourse in the interdisciplinary field of bioethics across Asia and beyond. Established in 2015, this esteemed publication has rapidly gained recognition, achieving a Q1 ranking in Philosophy and Q2 in key categories such as Health Policy and Issues, Ethics and Legal Aspects in 2023. With its robust Scopus rankings highlighting its significance across diverse domains—including a remarkable 98th percentile ranking in Philosophy—the journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, ethicists, and policymakers to explore pressing ethical issues and contribute to policy development in health and social sciences. Although not open access, the journal ensures a wide reach through institutional subscriptions, making it an essential resource for students and professionals committed to ethical practices in healthcare. Set in the dynamic backdrop of Singapore, "Asian Bioethics Review" continues to shape the conversation around bioethical practices in the Asian context and globally.

Medicine Health Care and Philosophy

Illuminating the Intersection of Health and Philosophy
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 1386-7423Frequency: 4 issues/year

Medicine Health Care and Philosophy, published by SPRINGER, is an esteemed journal that bridges the disciplines of health care, philosophy, and social science. With an ISSN of 1386-7423 and an E-ISSN of 1572-8633, this journal showcases interdisciplinary research that critically examines ethical, social, and philosophical issues in medicine and healthcare. With a significant impact factor and a status in the prestigious Q1 quartile for Philosophy and Q2 quartiles in both Education and Health Policy for the year 2023, it serves as a vital platform for scholars and practitioners to engage with the complex interplay of health and philosophy. The journal contributes to advancing knowledge and informing practice by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that promote scholarly dialogue across varied fields. As it converges towards 2024, Medicine Health Care and Philosophy remains dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of health-related issues, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students committed to exploring the ethical dimensions of healthcare.

Linacre Quarterly

Cultivating Insightful Dialogue in Health and Ethics
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 0024-3639Frequency: 4 issues/year

Linacre Quarterly, published by SAGE Publications Inc, is a distinguished journal that serves as an interdisciplinary platform in the fields of Health Policy and Philosophy. With an ISSN of 0024-3639 and an E-ISSN of 2050-8549, this journal has been pivotal in providing insights into the intricate dynamics of health policy through a philosophical lens since its inception in 1945. Notably, it holds a respectable 2023 Scopus rank, placing it in the 68th percentile within the Arts and Humanities (Philosophy) category and the 21st percentile in Medicine (Health Policy). Though currently not offering Open Access options, Linacre Quarterly remains committed to advancing scholarly discussion and fostering innovation among researchers, professionals, and students alike. Located in the United Kingdom, this journal continues to uphold its reputation as a vital resource for those navigating the complexities of health-related ethical dilemmas and policy-making frameworks, thereby enhancing its visibility and relevance in academic discourse.

International Journal of Chinese & Comparative Philosophy of Medicine

Fostering Interdisciplinary Perspectives in Medical Philosophy
Publisher: GLOBAL SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONSISSN: 1386-6354Frequency: 2 issues/year

The International Journal of Chinese & Comparative Philosophy of Medicine, published by GLOBAL SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS, is a pivotal scholarly platform dedicated to advancing the discourse around traditional Chinese medicine and comparative philosophies in healthcare. With the ISSN 1386-6354, this journal provides a rich repository of peer-reviewed articles that explore integrative approaches to medicine, addressing both historical context and contemporary applications. Although specific metrics such as impact factor are currently unavailable, it aspires to foster interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students by encouraging innovative thinking and comparative analysis within the realm of medical philosophy. While currently operating under non-open access guidelines, the journal remains committed to disseminating knowledge that bridges diverse medical practices, making it an invaluable resource for those engaged in the study and application of philosophical medicine.

Acta Bioethica

Advancing Multidisciplinary Dialogues in Bioethics
Publisher: UNIV CHILE, CENTRO INTERDISCIPLINARIO ESTUDIOS BIOETICAISSN: 0717-5906Frequency: 2 issues/year

Acta Bioethica is a pivotal open access journal published by the Universidad de Chile's Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios Bioética, dedicated to the multidisciplinary exploration of bioethical issues in health policy and social sciences. Since its inception in 2000, the journal has fostered dialogue among researchers, professionals, and students, addressing the complexities of ethical practices in diverse health contexts. With an impressive commitment to accessibility, Acta Bioethica has become a vital resource for those engaged in understanding the ethics of healthcare in Latin America and beyond. Although currently ranked in the lower quartiles of Scopus in both health policy and social sciences, the journal is steadily gaining recognition for its unique contributions to bioethics. The journal accepts contributions in both English and Spanish, ensuring a wider reach and impact in the academic community. Located in Santiago, Chile, and active from 2007 to 2024, Acta Bioethica continues to be an essential platform for advancing research and discussions in the ever-evolving field of bioethics.