Euthanasia & Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS)
After studying the course materials located on Module 8: Lecture Materials & Resources page, answer the following:
- Euthanasia
- Medical / Generic definition
- Bioethical definition.
- Describe pain and suffering within context of faith
- Physician Assisted Suicide / Death ( PAS / PAD)
- Definition
- Is it ethical?
- Should we have the right to end our lives? Why yes or why not?
- Better alternatives to PAS; compare and contrast each:
- Hospice
- Palliative care / Terminal sedation
- Case studies. Brief summary of:
- Hemlock Society
- Jacob Kevorkian
- Britanny Maynard
- Euthanasia:
- Medical/Generic definition: Euthanasia is the deliberate act of ending a person’s life, typically to relieve them from suffering due to a terminal illness or unbearable pain. It can be performed either with the explicit request of the person (voluntary euthanasia) or without their consent (non-voluntary or involuntary euthanasia).
- Bioethical definition: From a bioethical perspective, euthanasia involves complex ethical considerations regarding the right to autonomy, the sanctity of life, and the moral duties of healthcare professionals. Bioethically, it is often debated whether euthanasia can be morally justified under certain circumstances.
- Pain and Suffering within the Context of Faith: Pain and suffering are often viewed differently within various faith traditions. In some religions, suffering is seen as a part of the human experience and a means of spiritual growth. For example, in Christianity, suffering is sometimes considered a way to share in the suffering of Christ. In contrast, other religious perspectives may emphasize the relief of suffering as a moral imperative. It ultimately depends on one’s religious beliefs and interpretations.
- Physician Assisted Suicide / Death (PAS / PAD):
- Definition: Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) or physician-assisted death (PAD) is a medical practice in which a physician provides the means (such as a prescription for lethal medication) for a terminally ill patient to end their own life. The patient administers the medication themselves.
- Ethical Consideration: The ethics of PAS/PAD are highly debated. Supporters argue that it respects an individual’s autonomy and allows them to die with dignity when facing unbearable suffering. Opponents argue that it goes against the principle of preserving life and may lead to slippery slopes where vulnerable individuals could be coerced into ending their lives.
- Right to End Life: The question of whether individuals should have the right to end their own lives is contentious. It hinges on notions of personal autonomy and the belief that individuals have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. It also depends on the legal and ethical frameworks of a particular society. Some argue in favor of this right, especially in cases of terminal illness, unbearable pain, and diminished quality of life, while others oppose it on moral or religious grounds.
- Better Alternatives to PAS (Physician Assisted Suicide):
- Hospice: Hospice care focuses on providing holistic support, comfort, and pain management to individuals with terminal illnesses. It aims to enhance the quality of life in the final stages of life without hastening death.
- Palliative Care/Terminal Sedation: Palliative care is a comprehensive approach to managing pain and symptoms associated with serious illness. Terminal sedation involves administering medication to induce unconsciousness and relieve suffering while allowing natural death to occur. Unlike PAS, it does not actively end life.
- Case Studies:
- Hemlock Society: The Hemlock Society, now known as “Compassion & Choices,” is an organization that advocates for end-of-life choices, including assisted dying. They have been instrumental in the legalization and regulation of physician-assisted suicide in several U.S. states.
- Jack Kevorkian: Jack Kevorkian, also known as “Dr. Death,” was a pathologist who gained notoriety for assisting terminally ill patients in ending their lives using a machine he invented. His actions were highly controversial, leading to legal battles and ethical debates.
- Brittany Maynard: Brittany Maynard was a young woman diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She became an advocate for the right to die with dignity and moved to a state where PAS was legal to end her own life on her terms. Her story brought national attention to the issue of physician-assisted suicide.
Please note that public opinion, legal status, and ethical considerations regarding euthanasia, PAS, and related topics can vary widely between countries and regions. Additionally, these topics are highly sensitive and provoke passionate debates among individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.