Physician-Assisted Suicide

Paper Summary:

This paper explores whether, under special circumstances, it is morally and ethically permissible for a physician to provide the knowledge and/or means whereby a terminally-ill patient can have his/her own life ended. The paper includes an introduction to the problem, a modern historical background (Kevorkian), philosophical bias, the pros and cons of physician-assisted suicide (PAS), professional responsibilities, and nursing. Also included is a personal opinion in the third person and a conclusion in favor of PAS.

From the Paper:

"For the most part, the philosophical bias against physician-assisted suicide lies in the realms of religion, especially among those that adhere to the principles of Christianity as revealed in the Holy Bible. For these individuals, suicide is patently wrong, for it goes against was it termed as "divine wishes" and against natural laws. According to James Peterson, suicide "is an abuse of God's power over life and death" and as stated by Thomas Aquinas, it is unlawful to kill oneself and a mortal sin "because everything naturally loves itself. . .wherefore suicide is contrary to the inclination of nature and to the charity whereby every man should love himself" (1989, p. 150)."

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