Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper

Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending the life of a patient who is perceived to have reached the limit of suffering. In usage, it implies having a ‘good death’ as regards terminating life to end suffering from a terminal or incurable condition. It can be voluntary (requested by the patient), involuntary (not requested by the patient who is capable of consenting), and non-voluntary (when patient is incapable of consenting). It is performed among patients who are experiencing great suffering and pain, or who are terminally ill (Findler, Smolkin & Bourgeois, 2019). There are four main types of euthanasia. First, physician-assisted suicide that involves a physician or medical professional acting upon the request of the patient to end his/her (patient’s) life. Second, indirect euthanasia that involves a patient taking a fatal dose of prescription medication to relieve suffering and ends up terminating life. Third, passive euthanasia that involves life-sustaining treatment being withdrawn and withheld when prolonging life is considered futile or upon the request of the patient. Fourth, active euthanasia that involves acting upon merciful intent by administering a lethal substance to the patient. Although euthanasia is illegal in most countries, it is legal in some countries with the conditions for euthanasia being well defined and outlined (Abohaimed et al., 2019). This paper discusses the ethical controversies surrounding euthanasia Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper.

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Euthanasia is a subject that attracts much ethical ambiguity and debate with many arguments presented for and against the practice. Admittedly so, euthanasia is being practiced in some countries across the world. In fact, many patients experience severe suffering and pain, and may openly or secretly resort to euthanasia as a solution. Regardless, a review of the different ethical egoism and social contract schools of thought reveals that this debate could be far from over (Findler, Smolkin & Bourgeois, 2019)Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper.

Ethical egoism is a consequential moral philosophy that perceives morality as any action determined by self-interest. Personal goals and interests should be put first and foremost. Any action that satisfies self-interest is considered ethical while any action that does not satisfy self-interest is unethical. Nonetheless, this does not imply that selfishness should be the only measure. The self-interest of one person can coincide with the self-interest of others such that in the process of helping one person, others are helped. Ethical egoism does not forbid this as it considers an action ethical only if it satisfies self-interest and provides benefit to the individual. In addition, ethical egoism argues that self-interest should not be evaluated in the short-term, but should instead be evaluated in the long-term. It promotes selfishness, but in no way promotes foolishness. Applying this school of thought to euthanasia requires that the duration and intensity of the pain and suffering be considered, then measured against the (extent) quantity of persons influence as well as consideration of whether keeping the patient alive benefits the society in any way (richness). Besides that, the decision must consider others pains the patient is likely to experience, such as odds of a treatment/cure being developed later on (certainty), loss of pride (purity), and financial cost of continuing treatment. It is important to note that euthanasia is an extremely personal issue that affects the individual patient the most. It is clear that an ethical egoist is not concerns with the overall good of others or the results of the action; he/she would be concerned with what is good for him/her. As such, if the extent of pain and suffering being experienced is so high that the patient cannot bear, then an ethical egoist would support euthanasia (Rachels, J. & Rachels, S., 2019) Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper.

Social contract ethics looks at the connection between individuals and the society. Every individual has one main natural right; the right to self-preservation. Any person who enters into a social contract must forego the right to self-preservation as the duties associated with that right are now granted to the government. This means that every person who is part of a social contract would have equal and fair rights under expectations for justice. Every person must have equal rights because this is the basis of a social contract. Considering this understanding in moral debates about euthanasia would show support as persons who ascribe to the social contract may want to have that option (euthanasia) open to them as long as they do not infringer on the rights of other persons who are part of the same social contract. Taking this into consideration, it would appear that euthanasia is permissible under social contract, although there must be rules to ensure that it is not abused and does not negatively affect others. In this way, every person would have the right to end his/her own life in case of unbearable pain and suffering. This makes it clear that a social contract ethicist would argue for including euthanasia in the social contract as it does not infringe on the rights of others (Rachels, J. & Rachels, S., 2019) Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper.

Having analyzed euthanasia from the point of ethical egoism and social contract, it seems reasonable to concede that euthanasia should be legalized. Nevertheless, the conditions for euthanasia should be clearly outlined to ensure that it is not abused, such as ensuring that the patient consents before performing euthanasia. There should be a right to a dignified death when facing extreme pain and suffering. Every person should have the right to make decisions about high/her life, health and death. An individual can quit taking medication to die faster or even starve to death, with none of these actions being prohibited. This makes it superfluous to prohibit euthanasia which is practically the same. Every persons life belongs to him/her, and others should not control the process of that person maintaining or ending that life Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper.

References

Abohaimed, A., Matar, B., Al-Shimali, H., Al-Thalji, K., Al-Othman, O., Zurba, Y., & Shah, N. (2019). Attitudes of Physicians towards Different Types of Euthanasia in Kuwait. Medical Principles and Practice, 28, 199-207. Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper https://doi.org/10.1159/000497377

Findler, P., Smolkin, D., & Bourgeois, W. (2019). Debating Health Care Ethics, Canadian Contexts (2nd ed.). Canadian Scholars’ Press.

Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The Elements of Moral Philosophy (9th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education.

Week 3 Assignment: Course Project  – Topic Selection and Discussion

Topic:  Euthanasia

Next, detail the positions of each side of the ethical debate.

Note at least two moral reasons each side presents to show their view on the topic is correct.

Now, we want to evaluate these positions using the moral theories we studied this week: Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper

  • What would an Ethical Egoist say about this topic? What side would the Ethical Egoist take? What would the Ethical Egoist say to justify their moral position? Is there a conflict between loyalty to self and to community relevant to your topic? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action.
  • What would a Social Contract Ethicist say about this topic? What side would the Social Contract Ethicist take? What would the Social Contract Ethicist say to justify their moral position? Does your topic involve a collision between personal obligations and national ones? If so, how so? Note what you feel is the best course of action. Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper

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Finally, reference and discuss any professional code of ethics relevant to the topic such as the AMA code for doctors, the ANA code for nurses, or any other pertinent professional code. State whether and how your chosen topic involves any conflicts between professional and familial duties.

Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

  • Length: 3-4pages (not including title page or references page)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Title page
  • References page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to the course textbook: Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education. Euthanasia Essay Assignment Discussion Paper