Medical Ethics: Euthanasia

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the medical ethics concerning euthanasia, presenting arguments both for and against euthanasia. The paper relates that proponents of euthanasia maintain that dying with dignity is a right that every human being should be assured of, while opponents contend that life, in whatever capacity is a human right, and as such no person has the right to take it away from another, regardless of the reasons. The author examines the four principles of ethics that are prominent in the medical profession, non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy and justice, and suggests that they can be used in considering issues such as euthanasia. The paper also suggests that professionals, family members, and friends of the persons considering euthanasia should be included in the decision making process, so as to curb the problem of practices such as unconsented assisted suicide.

Outline:
Meta-ethical Solutions
Normative Solutions
Conclusion
Sources

From the Paper:

"Active euthanasia on the other hand is the administration of a substance to hasten the death of the patient for the purpose of ending suffering for either the person involved or family members in the case of for example a coma that is unlikely to end. Associations such as the AMA are in favor of passive euthanasia, while being opposed to active euthanasia. On the other hand, those who are opposed to euthanasia in all its forms would refer to one distinction as murder and the other as aiding suicide."

Sample of Sources Used:

• AMA. Position Statement on the role of the medical practitioner in end of life care. 2007. http://www.ama.com.au/web.nsf/doc/WEEN-76L9US
• BBC News. 'Legalise euthanasia' says expert. 8 June 2006. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5056326.stm
• Boseley, Sarah. Call for No-Consent Euthanasia. The Guardian, 8 June 2006. http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/story/0,,1792711,00.html
• Le Baron, Garn Jr. The Ethics of Euthanasia. 1993-2008. http://www.quantonics.com/The_Ethics_of_Euthanasia_By_Garn_LeBaron.html
• Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Legalizing Euthanasia: Medical Perspectives on Death and Dying. 2007. http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v4n2/euthanasia.html

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