Reference no: EM133302341

Question: Begin by carefully reading the assigned materials in this module. Next consider this excerpt from a journal article by Chris Ferrante summarizing the actions of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, who pioneered the medical procedures for doctor-assisted suicide.

Some doctors, like Dr. Jack Kevorkian would approve of the legalization of euthanasia. Kevorkian, often referred to as "Dr. Death", invented and pioneered the euthanasia machines and methods practiced today. His invention, the "Mercitron", was among the first euthanasia machines. It contained three vials. The first was a standard saline solution. At the push of a button the second vial containing sodium thiopental would be released. Sodium thiopental is a sleep-inducing agent that causes the patient to immediately fall unconscious. Seconds later, the third vial would release. The third vial contained a mixture of potassium chloride and pancuronium bromide. Potassium chloride stops the heart while pancuronium bromide prevents any spasms resulting in a rapid, painless death. Kevorkian found nothing wrong with the practice.He stated, "because I consider medicide [euthanasia] to be necessary, ethical, and legal, there should be nothing furtive about it" (Kevorkian 222-224). He practiced euthanasia for years and eventually was arrested for second-degree murder charges. In his book, Prescription: Medicide, Kevorkian tells the story of one of his first patients. Janet Adkins, an Oregon native, had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and had no desire to live. Her diagnosis was coupled with Kevorkian publicizing his Mercitron, euthanasia machine. Adkins and her husband discussed treatment options and eventually decided to call Dr. Kevorkian. On June 4, 1990 Janet Adkins was euthanized. Kevorkian felt that he was a champion in the eyes of the Adkins family by fulfilling Janet's wish. He found no wrong with euthanasia where most people do.

Explain which of the ethical systems (or combination of systems) that we have studied is best suited, in your judgment, to solve this ethical problem. (Note that there may not be a single right or wrong answer to this assignment, which is designed to demonstrate your understanding and use of the ethical systems to solve practical moral problems.)
Ethical systems to chose from:

Euthanasia
Divine Command Ethics
Virtue Ethics
Natural Law Ethics
Kantian Duty Ethics
Utilitarian Ethics