Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide: Case Study

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For the purpose of this discussion, by using MORAL framework for ethical decision-making I will analyze Question 4: What ethical principle does a physician face when he or she gets a request for assisted suicide? As the nurse, what are the conflicting ethical principles that you might face with this request? Many passionate discussions are done on the issues of euthanasia. On one side, people who are pro-euthanasia argue that a person has the right to choose, what is in the best interest of the patient, and some will argue from a medical resources perspective. On the other side, anti-euthanasia arguments present that life is sacred, it is against best interest, it devalues life, there is potential for pressure and abuse, professional integrity, …show more content…

The active euthanasia – also called mercy killing is the act of putting someone to death. Assisted suicide is the act of providing means to end a life but not act as a direct agent of death. Medical professionals face and ethical dilemma when a patient asks for euthanasia or assisted suicide. In the Statement of ANA Position, American Nurses Association provides clear declaration that “prohibits nurses’ participation in the assisted suicide and euthanasia because these acts are in direct violation of Code of Ethics for nurses” (ANA, 2013).
Ethics question: Given conflicting values between patient and medical professional, is ethically justifiable to assist in the assisted suicide. M = Massage the dilemma. The patient is suffering from unbearable and debilitating pain at the-end-of life stage of his/her life and asks medical professional to provide means (medications) to end his/her own life. Major stakeholders in this scenario are the patient who asks for assisted suicide, a medical professional who was asked, other medical professionals and patient’s family members who might be involved in the procedure.
O = Outline the options. Adhere to the patient’s wishes and provide the means for the patient to end his/her own life or refuse to …show more content…

In many states, without specific legislative authority or a court decision assisted suicide is considered illegal. Therefore, it would be unethical and illegal to participate in assisted suicide. Thus, when a physician or the nurse get a request from a patient to assist in assisted suicide they should not adhere to this request.

A = Affirm the decision. Considering that according to ANA position statement and that it is illegal in the state where I practice, physicians and the nurses should not participate in the patient assistant suicide.
L = Look back. Evaluating outcomes of the decision made was the right one and ethical dilemma was resolved. Other ethical dilemmas did not emerge related to this specific outcome and the action that was taken. In conclusion, according to Burkhardt & Nathaniel (2014), ethical decision-making process requires many considerations, skill, and repeated practice. It is not easy to come to a conclusion and a course of action when it comes to ethical questions in the nursing practice. A lot of emotions are involved from everyone who is involved in the ethical

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