Dr Anne Turner Assisted Suicide

A Short Stay in Switzerland presents a poignant exploration of the ethical complexities surrounding assisted suicide. Based on the true story of Dr. Anne Turner, a British physician diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), the film delves into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals confronted with terminal illness. At the heart of the film is the ethical tension between respecting individual autonomy and preserving the sanctity of life. Dr. Turner's decision to travel to Switzerland, where assisted suicide is legal, raises critical questions about the moral responsibilities of healthcare providers, the rights of patients, and the role of autonomy in end-of-life decisions. This essay will analyze the ethical theories

Dr. Turner’s decision to end her life can be seen as a rational response to the anticipated suffering caused by PSP. From a utilitarian perspective, allowing assisted suicide in such cases maximizes overall well-being by preventing severe and unrelenting suffering. Academic sources highlight that when the quality of life deteriorates to the point where life becomes unbearable, the compassionate response may be to allow individuals to end their lives on their own terms, thereby minimizing their suffering and preserving their

The sanctity of life is a core ethical principle that holds that life is inherently valuable and should be preserved, regardless of the circumstances. From a deontological perspective, the act of taking a life, whether one’s own or another’s, is inherently wrong. Opponents of assisted suicide argue that legalizing the practice undermines the intrinsic value of life and could lead to a society where life is devalued. The sanctity of life principle posits that life must be protected and preserved at all costs, making any form of assisted suicide ethically impermissible.

Critics of assisted suicide also raise concerns about the potential for a slippery slope, where the legalization of the practice could lead to broader and more permissive criteria for ending life. This could result in vulnerable individuals, such as those with disabilities or the elderly, feeling pressured to end their lives prematurely. The slippery slope argument suggests that once assisted suicide is accepted in some cases, it becomes increasingly difficult to set ethical boundaries, potentially leading to abuse and the devaluation of certain