In an article in the British journal Lancet, the doctor stated that he liked Helen right off the bat, and then issued this statement:
The thought of Helen dying so soon was almost too much to bear… on the other hand, I found even worse the thought of disappointing this family. If I backed out, they'd feel about me the way they had about their previous doctor, that I had strung them along, and in a way, insulted them (Hendin & Foley 2008, 1619).
This statement is shocking as neither hesitation nor a desire to not disappoint Helen's family should have been a factor in helping this woman take her life. This is a prime example of why people should not be allowed to help another in suicide -- physician or not. As humans, there are too many emotions ("Helen dying so soon was almost too much to bear") and abstract thoughts ("even worse the thought of disappointing this family") that are involved when caring for and treating other people. There isn't any way for our emotions or our thoughts to not get in the way and thus be able to make a sound and ethical decision; only God is able to do this.
In the article, "Oregon Hospice Chaplains' Experiences with Patients Requesting Physician-Assisted Suicide," Carlson et al. (2005) surveyed chaplains in Oregon hospices concerning their attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS). In the study, 50 of 77 hospice chaplains (65%) whom were contacted by the researchers returned the survey. Forty-two percent of the respondents were against the ODDA and 40% supported it (2005, 1160). Overall, the chaplains did not feel that they had any sort of impact on the patients' decisions about PAS (mean score of 4 on a 0 to 10 scale) (2005, 1160).
The fact that the views of PAS -- either against or opposed to -- were nearly equal amongst Oregon chaplains. The purpose of the chaplain in a hospice situation is to help provide patients with both emotional and spiritual support as the patients in a hospice are faced with the end of their lives and all of the emotional and spiritual questions that go along with it. Carlson et al. (2005, 1165) notes that hospice chaplains use their skills by helping the patient explore and come to terms with issues of faith and spirituality when it comes to making the decision for PAS. A strong religious belief is constantly shown as being related to the opposition to PAS. While one has to assume it is a necessity of a chaplain to have strong religious beliefs, it is surprising that the perspectives on PAS were equally divided.
There are a few problems related to Carlson et al.'s study. First of all, 35% of potential respondents did not reply and whether their perspectives are along the same lines as those reported in the study are unknown (2005, 1165). The overall sample size was also quite small. Another issue that raises potential bias is the fact that Oregon is quite original in its legislation for PAD and thus it is hard to say to what extent the study's findings may be generalizable to the experiences of hospice chaplains in other states where PAS might be requested (though not legalized) (2005, 1165). Another problem with the study is that it is not known how often Oregon hospice patients who want PAS refuse any kind of contact with a chaplain. Carlson et al. states that in other studies of terminally ill patients who want PAS, the refusal to meet a chaplain seems quite common. This may reflect not just PAS patients, according to Carlson et al., but Oregon residents, in general, who have low religiousness (2005, 1166).
Since Oregon passed its PAS law, Washington state has also joined its neighbor state in legalizing PAS, modeling its own Death with Dignity Act on the Oregon Act. Particularly frustrating about both of these Acts are the way in which they are termed. The euphemisms "death with dignity" and other terms are emotionally charged -- and judgmental (Steinbrook 2008, 2513). Furthermore, deaths under the Oregon Act and Washington Act are not deemed or called "suicides." If these deaths thus are not deemed suicide, then the only other name that they could be given is murders. There is either killing someone or not, or killing one's self or not. A doctor giving a patient whom he or she has deemed is sick enough to die is not a form of healing; it is only a form of killing. Though the...
Physician-Assisted Suicide: The Kantian View Thanks to modern developments in medical technology, people in advanced countries today live longer and stay healthy until they are relatively older. The technology, however, also allows some people to hasten their death and make it relatively pain-free. As a result, many patients suffering from unbearable pain of certain incurable illnesses from time to time ask their physicians to help them commit suicide. Any physician who
Assisted suicide is a suicide committed by someone with assistance from someone other than themselves, many times a Physician. Assisted suicide is typically delivered by lethal injection. The drugs are setup and provided to the patient and the patient has the choice as to when they deliver them by pressing a button themselves. This is a controversial topic that has both proponents and opponents for various the reasons. The most
Physician-Assisted Suicide Every person has basic rights to their own health and well-being. However, during tough times when an individual is suffering dramatically, there are ethical concerns whether or not they should be allowed to commit suicide with no other options. Although this is a patients' right to autonomy, it becomes unethical for a physician to assist in such demands, as physicians have a moral obligation to perform with beneficence and
Physician-Assisted Suicide Should it be permissible for one to take his life? Previously and now in many cultures, suicide has been considered as a best option in some certain situations of life. For example, in flashback we see Cato the Younger took away his life instead of living under Caesar. For stoics, suicide was a preferred and rational act and there was nothing immoral in suicide instead it was a best option
At the very least, those that hold different opinions on physician-assisted suicide should agree that medical treatment must never be at odds with moral treatment. Even though medical treatment is specialized and often differs from the way human beings usually treat each other, medical treatment should never be placed in the position where it goes against the basic moral ideals of how human beings should treat each other. As pointed out,
Physician-assisted suicide is a humane approach to dying and should be adopted legally in all states. Anyone who is terminally ill should have the right to choose how they die, specifically since they face death every day. Physician-assisted suicide is no more harmful than other methods of patient care that address patients needs, rights and desires. Given the fact that most terminally ill patients have a limited life to live,
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now