The Ethical Role Of Autonomy In Cassandra

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While the doctors were most likely using their standard of best interest, autonomy is an ethical principle that plays in Cassandra’s defense. Autonomy can be described as an agreement to respect another’s right to self-determine a course of action. In this case, it is difficult to argue that autonomy played a role in the decision-making. In the article, it is stated that for the legal situation that occurred to happen is unusual, but in extreme cases, where parents of minors refuse treatment when the patient will surely die, results in action by the Department of Children and Families. The patient, Cassandra, however, was 17 almost 18. This is not using autonomy it is purely the department using the standard of best interest in their opinion.

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