...Voluntary/Assisted Euthanasia Luellen Lawler, Soma Philip, Annamma Anto, and Janice Haddock Team Green, Grand Canyon University Ethical Decision Making in Health Care 437 V Dr. Ann Leslie Claesson September 01, 2012 Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma, Impact of Voluntary/Assisted Euthanasia There are several topics in the field of biomedical ethics that are controversial and by nature require careful examination of one’s own values and viewpoints. The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of voluntary or assisted euthanasia and the ethical implications it entails in relation to the profession of nursing. Nurses have the responsibility to act in their patient’s best interests. However, that may become difficult in the event that a patient asks for help in the task of ending his or her own life. There were two case scenarios provided for review concerning the topic of voluntary or assisted euthanasia. The common ethical implication among nurses involved in these particular cases seems to be the ambivalence they experience in relation to their level of involvement. Although nurses worldwide are confronted with euthanasia requests from patients, the views of nurses on their level of involvement in euthanasia remains unclear (Dierkx de Casterle, Verpoort, De Bal, & Gastmans, 2006). It stands to reason that palliative care nurses in particular, would have the highest frequency of experience with patients who are requesting assisted euthanasia. To develop clear...
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...IssUEs Of EUThANAsIA: ARGUmENTATIvE EssAy Bilal S. H. Badr Naga Majd T. Mrayyan (1) Bilal S. H. Badr Naga., MSN, RN, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Qassim, Saudi Arabia (2) Majd T. Mrayyan., Prof, RN, The Hashemite University, Jordan Correspondence: Bilal S. H. Badr Naga., MSN, RN, Prince Sultan Cardiac Center in Qassim, Saudi Arabia Email: Bilal_badrnaga@yahoo.com Case scenario Abstract Euthanasia is one of the issues that has been the subject of intense debate over time. It has been a pertinent issue in human rights discourse as it also affects ethical and legal issues pertaining to patients and health care providers. This paper discusses the legal and ethical debates concerning both types of euthanasia. It focuses on both the supporter of euthanasia and the opponent of euthanasia. Several statements for the Euthanasia argument arediscussed: a merciful response that alleviates the suffering of patients which is sometimes wrongly perceived to be otherwise unrelievable; the autonomy in which the patient has the right to make his own choices; the regulation and legislation of existing practices of euthanasia to protect health care providers and patients. In this heated debate religious, political, ethical, legal and personal views are also included. Among all these, those who desperately want to end their lives because they simply cannot go on in any way, are the ones who suffer. Every individual or group has a different viewpoint regarding euthanasia. Euthanasia is considered...
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...The first consideration in writing a speech is the foundation. This begins with selecting a topic that is of interest. Euthanasia is either right or wrong, and this will limit the options when trying to persuade and audience. During the construction of the foundation it is important to analyze the audience. Different things to consider are age, race, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and social backgrounds. It is also pertinent to consider where the audience is in regards to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and to build on where the audience lies. The final part of the foundation is to have a purpose which defines the shape of the speech. For this speech, the purpose is to make a claim of value and persuade that euthanasia is wrong. The next phase of building the speech consists of composing a thesis statement, developing main points, and gathering supporting material from credible sources. The last phase of developing the speech consists of separating the speech into major parts, outlining the speech, and developing presentation aids if needed. The major parts consist of an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should contain an attention getter, significance and credibility statement, a thesis statement, and a preview of the main points. The body of the speech should be between 2 to 4 main points and three is ideal. The conclusion should review the main points, restate the thesis in a new and fresh way, give an application or significance point, and...
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...Patricia Weenolsen makes a strong case for euthanasia. Even though only a pages deal directly with euthanasia directly, the overarching theme of The Art of Dying deals with a “good death” and thusly exerting no small amount of influence on ones departure from this life and surrounding circumstances. In dealing with the emotions surrounding the death process, the reader is given tools that result in some small measure of control that inevitably leads to contemplation of euthanasia. In what I would term a most compassionate manner, Patricia Weenolsen takes the reader on a journey through the end of life, helping the reader to prepare for the final pages of this life. Keywords: euthanasia, death, dying, Patricia Weenolsen Introduction In her book, The Art of Dying: How to Leave This World With Dignity and Grace, at Peace With Yourself and Your Loved Ones, Patricia Weenolsen, Ph.D. delivers a compelling argument for euthanasia that will cause readers to consider the manner in which they choose to leave this life both physically and mentally. While arguments can be made against euthanasia, the ability of terminally ill patients of sound mind to make an autonomous decision concerning their death cannot be ignored, and the case should be made that euthanasia should be an option available in certain instances. Utilizing the thematic approach of Ms Weenolsen, this paper will analyze euthanasia and advance a moderate view of euthanasia, integrating the principles of autonomy and...
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...Euthanasia – dying peacefully and with dignity KEVORKIAN (to Wantz): ''Have you gotten any better?'' WANTZ: ''It's gotten much worse. I wish I could have done it a year ago or two years ago. ... I tried loading a gun, but I didn't know how to load one. If you do it yourself, you don't know what you're doing.'' KEVORKIAN: ''Were you tired or apprehensive when you tried it yourself?'' WANTZ: ''No. People say, 'Hang in there. ... ' (But) when you're in my shoes, then you tell me what to do. Until you are, don't tell me what to do.'' (Castaneda) The foregoing conversation took place and was recorded on October 22, 1991, between Doctor Jack Kevorkian, 63, (later nicknamed as “Dr. Death” due to his notorious physician-assisted suicide practice) and Marjorie Wantz, 58, who had sought his help in ending her life and continuous pain from the incurable disease she had. Wantz fulfilled her wish on the next day when she died while being linked to one of Kevorkian’s ''suicide machines''. This incident once again raised a heated debate whether euthanasia should be legalized, and whether doctors assisting in patient’s voluntary death should be freed of charges. In 1995 Special Senate Committee on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide defined euthanasia as “the deliberate act undertaken by one person with the intention of ending the life of another person in order to relieve that person’s suffering” (Law and Government Division). Despite the undeniable advantages of modern medicine in terms...
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...Callie Yager Haley Stoner English 1302 22 April 2015 The Powerful Mercy of Euthanasia Euthanasia is defined as the merciful killing of one in extreme pain or circumstance. For many years euthanasia has been viewed as a way out, against religious and moral perspectives, and many are afraid that if it were to be completely legal in all of the United States then citizens would certainly abuse this right. However, the four states that have legalized it, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Montana prove these opinions to be false. Especially in Oregon the Death with Dignity Act set the precedent for Euthanasia legislature by setting limitations on who or who could not be considered to actively take their own life. These limitations included a minimum age of 18 years, a diagnoses of six months to live or less, two oral recommendations from physicians at least fifteen days apart and one written recommendation from a physician before the patient could be qualified for active Euthanasia. These guidelines made the practice of Euthanasia more practical to Americans. In a study conducted by Public Agenda, Gallup Organization, in the year 1950 only twenty-six percent of Americans supported assisted suicide and that number more than doubled in 2003 to seventy-two percent. These information alone proves the progressiveness of this form of mercy, this form of choice that euthanasia gives to those suffering. Euthanasia has many forms and is a positive act for those in extreme pain, it gives terminally...
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...Euthanasia: A Moral Dilemma The word euthanasia is derived from two Greek words, “eu” which means “good” and “thanatos” which means “death,” thus, you have the translation “good death.” For many, when faced with a terminal disease or injury, it is all they truly want. That is, the ability to choose the right to die, in lieu of, a slow and painful death. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Euthanasia as, “The act or practice of killing hopelessly sick or injured individuals in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy,” and also, “The act of or practice of allowing a hopelessly sick or injured patient to die by taking less than complete medical measures to prolong life – mercy killing.” In those two separate definitions, you have the words that define the difference between active and passive euthanasia. “The act or practice of killing…” is what is termed as active euthanasia, in that it involves a person physically “doing” something to bring about the death of an individual. Whereas, “the act or practice of allowing…” is considered passive euthanasia, in that it allows a person to die. Normally, this entails the withholding or withdrawal of necessary medical equipment or medicine. Historically, both methods have evoked great emotional turmoil throughout society. Why? Because, it puts into dispute moral, cultural, social, and religious values that individual’s hold regarding their right to live, aswell as their right to die. Furthermore, individuals want to be able...
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...Zaira Murillo Carl Franks English 1013 28 October 2014 Euthanasia In today’s world there is a multitude of controversial topics that are discussed daily. One of these topics is euthanasia. Euthanasia is also knows as assisted suicide and is used to end the suffering of a person who has an illness or physical injury that can’t be cured. Because euthanasia involves death, it is a very sensitive topic. The different viewpoints contribute to the opinions that people have about euthanasia. People with a heavy religious culture are more likely to be against it, whereas people suffering from a life threatening or terminal disease are not. Euthanasia is currently only allowed in the state of Oregon through the Death with Dignity Act that was placed in 1997 and in four other states as well as three countries. Since that act, only 752 of the 1173 patients actually carried on to kill themselves. An article written by Ryan Wallace on October 7, 2014 titled “One Woman's Quest to Die with Dignity—and What It Means for Us All” is about a 29 year old woman named Brittany Maynard who has been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma multiform, which is a fast-growing brain cancer that kills its victims. She is one of many that are in favor of assisted-suicide due to her illness. Maynard moved to Portland, Oregon where she would be able to end her life legally thru the Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act (DWDA). Those who are advocates don’t believe it is considered suicide because “aid...
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...2011 Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide Is Not Murder! My personal opinion is that euthanasia or assisted suicide is not murder when a person is already suffering and dying. Euthanasia is translated from Greek as “good death” or “easy death.” Euthanasia occurs when one person ends the life of another person for the purpose of ending the killed person's pain or suffering. Assisted suicide is closely related to euthanasia. An assisted suicide occurs when one person gives another person the instructions and means to commit the suicide themselves. A few proposals to legalize euthanasia were made in the United States and Germany during the latter portion of the nineteenth century. Now, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg are the only jurisdictions in the world where laws specifically permit euthanasia or assisted suicide. The strongest argument made on behalf of legalizing euthanasia or assisted suicide is that it, like abortion, is a “choice issue.” It is a persons ultimate civil right. The possibility of a predictable escape from suffering if it becomes overwhelming is important to many patients. To deprive a mentally competent, terminally ill person who wants to end their suffering in a peaceful way is disrespecting their civil rights. Over 90% of people with terminal illness will endure their situation, but between 5 and 10% find it intolerable and request euthanasia. Have you ever watched a person...
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...Abstract Euthanasia is intentionally making someone die, rather than allowing that person to die naturally. The positive side of Euthanasia is that it ends a person’s suffering in this world; it is often called “mercy killing”. Many physicians and psychiatrists believe that it is a humane act; from an ethics point of view, it may be appropriate. What we seek in human existence is to be happy, pain free, and find happiness. Suffering from a terminal illness, or affliction, could hamper one’s happiness in life. If the goal is to be happy, then Euthanasia would be an answer for a person. Euthanasia may even bring about happiness in that it is what the person desires and wants, in order to no longer be a burden to his/her family. Also, Euthanasia would stop the pain and not prolong the dying process. Euthanasia has become an issue of increasing attention because of Dr. Jack Kevorkian's assisted suicides. Dr Kevorkian assisted in at least one hundred and thirty one suicides. The number of suicides in Michigan increased, prompting the Governor to sign an anti-suicide law that made doctor-assisted suicides a felony. During the 21-month trial period of the new law anyone assisting in a suicide can be sentenced to up to four years in prison and fined more than $2,000 (Reuters, 1993). With the passing of the law one would think that most people would be against the right-to-die, not so. In a poll cited in a 1991 issue of USA Today eighty percent of Americans think sometimes...
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...Running head: ANALYSIS OF AN ETHICAL DILEMMA Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma NRS 437V December 11, 2011 Analysis of an Ethical Dilemma Euthanasia, sometimes referred to as mercy killing, is an act by a third party that causes a patient’s death. Such acts include administering a lethal dose of medication by way of injection or mask, usually to a seriously ill patient. This analysis will discuss the ethics of euthanasia as it relates to nursing, laws, society, and the stakeholders involved in the scenario. The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes that the nurse should not participate in Active euthanasia because such an act is in direct violation of the Code for Nurses with Interpretive Statements, the ethical traditions and goals of the profession, and its covenant with society. (Task Force on the Nurse's Role in End-of-Life Decisions, 2011) While patient advocates should be vigilant for providing diligent care, they should perform their tasks with respect, support and due commitment towards their care. In healthcare practice, in order to relieve pain and suffering, there is an obligation to promote dignity and autonomy of patients. Euthanasia is a complex issue in which nurses are uncomfortable determining the life and death of a patient. Nurses have to practice ethical principles of beneficence, which maximize benefit and reduce potential risk and harm to the patient. Non-malfeasance is another ethical issue in which a nurse should do no harm. A competent...
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...My claim is that those suffering from terminal illnesses, such that they possess an incurable disease that cannot be adequately treated and is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient within a short period of time, deserve the right to request that their physician perform euthanasia on them. This would entail a physician delivering a patient a controlled, painless death with a lethal dose of medication whilst in a controlled environment. The euthanasia option for terminally ill patients would provide them with a sense of control when all control over their life has been lost, a sense of autonomy over their body, relief from pain and suffering, and even psychological reassurance (Ezekiel 630). Control and autonomy stem from...
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...implementation of practices such as physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. * Social justice is the primary form of justice, but it encompasses other types of justice such as commutative, restorative, distributive, and contributive. * The four types of social justice are significant as they cover all the human entitlements. The social work department incorporates human rights in the creation and implementation of policies dealing with end of life decisions. * Euthanasia has evolved to become an important ethical concern especially for the elderly. * Many individuals in the recent times have changed their outlook regarding the issue of physically assisted death. Main ethical concerns * Euthanasia is a Greek word, which implies a ‘good death.’ * In the contemporary world, euthanasia is the compassionate activity of ending the life of a terminally ill patient. * Conversely, physician-assisted death occurs when a doctor provides the means of suicide to a patient who has chosen to end their life. * There are two categories of euthanasia, which are active and passive. * Active euthanasia involves the activity by a physician to fasten the death process such as administering of a lethal injection. * Passive euthanasia involves the behavior of withholding the essential care that leads to survival such as refusing to administer the necessary medications. * Active and passive euthanasia can either be voluntary, involuntary or non-voluntary...
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...Ethical Decision Making in Health Care 2014 Terry Schiavo Documentary Euthanasia is “intentionally causing the death of a person, the motive being to benefit that person and to protect them from further suffering. Many people who contemplate voluntary euthanasia are terminally ill or have been suffering with an illness for an extended time and they just want to end their suffering and pain. ne commit suicide or for not assisting them in the suicide process and allowing them to linger and shall not kill and that we should not interfere with God’s plans. Eastern religions’ stance is not to harm any living things and thus assisted suicide is unacceptable (BBC, 2014). Nurses have an obligation to provide our patients with the best care possible, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Nurses need to meet the needs of their patients and families, this is particularly important with end of life care. Nurses need to make patients comfortable, allow them to voice their concerns, with the moral, spiritual, ethical, and social effects for the rest of their life. Decisions about life and death in the health professions are among the most challenging from an ethical and a practical viewpoint (Purtilo & Doherty, 2011). Nurses play key roles in caring for people at the end of life which include assessing and managing pain, addressing psycho-spiritual needs, articulating values, goals, and beliefs that influence the decisions made at the end of life, for not only the client...
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...the murderer had, or how difficult the patient’s suffering was. One of the main questions in treating patients who cannot be cured is whether mercy killings are to be allowed legally to help end someone’s suffering — the answer should be, “No.” Euthanasia — the proper term for mercy killing — is the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. This assumes that a patient is aware that they are going to die, and in some cases, they must administer the poison themselves. This is also called assisted suicide. Arguments supporting euthanasia usually present the fact that the patient would have no cure, no way of contributing to society in the state that they are in. They claim that society cannot help such individuals either: all that can be done is prolonging their agony in the case of suffering from terminal diseases, or letting them live with a defective life in the case of suffering from serious mental deviations. However, the very thought of killing people due to their disabilities seems unnatural; besides, who is competent and authorized enough to decide whom to kill and whom to let live? The German child Gerhard Kretschmar, whose case is one of the most well-known examples of euthanasia, was born blind, missing limbs, and prone to convulsions. Adolf Hitler gave Kretschmar’s doctor...
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