Naudé, Alida MarynaKanji, AmishaLouw, BrendaBornman, Juan2026-04-082026-04-082025-01-07Alida Naudé, Amisha Kanji, Brenda Louw & Juan Bornman (2025) Systematic review of international ethics knowledge in the speech-language pathology literature (1980–2022), International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 27:6, 850-873, DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2024.2438106.1754-9507 (print)1754-9515 (online)10.1080/17549507.2024.2438106http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109459DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.PURPOSE : A systematic review was conducted to describe various viewpoints expressed in speech-language pathology literature over four decades concerning ethics knowledge in the profession. METHOD : The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were employed. Our sample search encompassed peer-reviewed journal articles sourced from electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, MasterFILE Premier, E-Journals, Africa-Wide Information, and Academic Search Premier, spanning the period from 1980 to 2022. RESULT : The initial search of articles identified 139 papers. After applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria, 60 full-text papers were deemed suitable for inclusion. We conducted a qualitative, deductive analysis of the relevant data and findings. Studies primarily concentrated on the speech-language pathologist’s roles in rehabilitation/management and education, research, and administration. A predominant focus of these papers revolved around moral judgement, a fundamental component of moral behaviour. CONCLUSION : Findings suggest an evolving landscape within the speech-language pathology discipline, with an increased focus on moral judgement, professional competency, and rehabilitation/management. The findings highlight a consistent need for further development and emphasis on ethics in education, research, administration, and advocacy/consultation roles. This underscores the necessity for ongoing ethical education and support to ensure practitioners are well-equipped to navigate the complex ethical landscape of their professional practice.en© The Author(s) 2025. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence.EthicsProfessionalismSpeech-language pathologySystematic reviewClinical decision-makingMoralityPreferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA)Article