Reference no: EM133680188
Assignment: Euthanasia
In a one- page double-spaced essay, view the attachment and address the questions below as they relate to the case study.
I. Does she have a right to make this choice, especially because she will be dead in a short while (say six hours)? Is this choice an extension of her autonomy?
II. Is the short amount of time she has to live ethically relevant? Is there an ethical difference between her dying in 6 hours and dying in a week? What about a year, and how do you draw this distinction?
III. Is the right for a patient's self-determination powerful enough to create obligations on the part of others to aid her so that she can exercise her rights? She clearly cannot kill herself. She can't move, but should someone be FORCED to help her or to find someone to help her?
IV. Should the cost of her care be used to care for this woman be considered when she is being helped? Do you think legalizing euthanasia could create conflicts of interest for the patient/ or the doctor? Will people feel they need to end their lives earlier to save money?
V. As a healthcare provider, where do you draw the line? Legal ramifications are also there for your safety as well. Do you think having laws against Euthanasia prevents good-hearted people from taking things into their own hands? Is there ever a time when it is right for your to take someone else's life in the name of mercy?
Case Study:
The term "euthanasia" originates from the Greek language, meaning "good death." In the context of this discussion, it refers to "the act of deliberately ending the life of a person suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable disease." The American Medical Association (AMA) opposes physician involvement in euthanasia. Currently, only one state in the US, Oregon, permits euthanasia under the "Death with Dignity Act" enacted in 1997. Advocates of euthanasia emphasize its allowance as an extension of personal autonomy. On the other hand, opponents argue that it can lead to the devaluation of human life and potentially set a dangerous precedent where the elderly and disabled may be killed at the discretion of healthy individuals.
A woman was diagnosed with motor neuron disease, a condition that progressively destroys motor nerves, rendering control of movement impossible while leaving the mind largely unaffected. Typically, individuals with motor neuron disease die within four years of diagnosis due to the inability of the inspiratory muscles to function, leading to suffocation. The woman's health has gradually deteriorated over the past five years. She is not expected to survive the month and is concerned about the pain she may endure during her final hours. In this context, she requests her doctor to administer diamorphine, a potent pain-relieving medication, if she experiences suffocation or choking. While this would alleviate her pain, it would also accelerate her death. Approximately one week later, she falls seriously ill and encounters difficulty in breathing.
As a nurse or healthcare provider, you play a pivotal role in such situations. It is important to discuss your responsibilities and thoughts on euthanasia.
In terms of your role as a healthcare provider, your primary duty is to prioritize the well-being and care of your patients. This includes providing comfort, pain management, and emotional support. It is essential to uphold the principles of medical ethics, which often include promoting the preservation of life and respecting patients' autonomy.
Regarding euthanasia, personal beliefs may vary among healthcare providers. It is a complex and sensitive topic that engenders diverse opinions. Some professionals may support the notion of euthanasia as a compassionate choice, arguing that it respects a patient's autonomy and relieves them from prolonged suffering. Others may oppose euthanasia due to ethical, moral, or religious reasons, believing that intentionally ending a life goes against the inherent value of human existence and raises potential risks, such as abuse or the erosion of societal safeguards.
As a healthcare provider, it is crucial to respect the legal and ethical framework within which you operate. In jurisdictions where euthanasia is permitted, understanding, and adhering to the specific regulations and guidelines is vital. Furthermore, engaging in open and honest conversations with patients about their concerns, pain management options, and end-of-life care can help provide the necessary support during challenging times.
Ultimately, healthcare providers must navigate these complex issues with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to promoting the well-being and autonomy of their patients, while also abiding by the laws, regulations, and ethical principles that govern their practice.