Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

The ongoing struggle for end-of-life care has become an immensely controversial issue throughout the world. This paper discusses how once euthanasia is accepted as a possible resolution, the potential abuse that may result from it, the different policies around the world, and the nurse's involvement in the process are all important factors that must be taken into consideration. It contends that however positive the force of euthanasia may be for certain individuals, and however willing a doctor or nurse may be to assist a patient in his request, the negative aspects of euthanasia are not worth the risk.

From the Paper:

"Along with the potential risks, another concern is that the doctors are not performing to their ability. The patient-doctor relationship is vital in the care giving process. If patients feel that their doctor has a strong standing, either for or against euthanasia, the patient may be more inclined to replace their doctor with another one who agrees with their views and who will possibly assist with their requests (Feudtner, 2005). At the same time, doctors who agree with the practices of euthanasia may make bad judgments regarding the patient. In some instances, a doctor may be, ". . . fabricating symptoms in order to create a plausible clinical basis for the prescription or administration of escalating dosages of drugs" (Magnusson, 2004, p. 487)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Buchanan, M. (2004). Assited dying [Electronic version]. Nursing Standards, 18(50), 18.
• De Bal, N. (2005). Nurse's involvement in the care process for patients requesting euthanasia [Electronic version]. Nursing Ethics, 12(1), 110-111.
• Eby, M. (2005). Whose life is it anyway, the dying patient's or the nurse's? [Electronic version]. Nursing Ethics, 12(2), 121-122.
• Feuather, C. (2005). Control of suffering on the slippery slop of care [Electronic version]. The Lancet, 265, 1284-1286.
• Kuppelomaki, M. (2000). Attitudes of cancer patients, their family members and health professionals toward active euthanasia [Electronic version]. European Journal of Cancer Care, 9, 16-21.

More papers on Euthanasia:

• Persuasive Essay # 140910 : "Euthanasia"
• Persuasive Essay # 26888 : "Euthanasia"
• Persuasive Essay # 37089 : "Euthanasia in America"
• Argumentative Essay # 3150 : "Justifying Euthanasia"

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