Essay Example: Ethical Dilemmas of Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide

Introduction

There are a lot of ethical issues around the issue of Euthanasia. Euthanasia involves the act of putting someone to death with the help of a medical professional. It is considered mercy killing that requires the permission of the individual or family members. Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) are usually carried out on individuals who are experiencing excruciating pain or mental agony as a result of a terminal medical condition (Keown, 2018). Some theories view the act of Euthanasia as morally right while others are morally wrong. The most applicable theories of morality used the justification of Euthanasia are deontology and utilitarianism. In this, paper, the issue will be discussed with justification from Kant's utilitarianism theory.

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Part 1

The utilitarianism theory states that for an act to be done or not, there is a need of looking at the outcome of the act. It is a moral act if It is for the greater good for most of the people. For a reason makes utilitarianism also to be referred to as the consequentialist theory. It is associated with Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. It is based on the utility of an act or the kind of pleasure received from it. It tends to be controversial since most people want pleasure and overall good for themselves. In this regard, utilitarianism moral behavior would be increasing utility for most people and their good even if it means decreasing it for yourself good.

Applying utilitarianism to Euthanasia as a topic can neither be viewed as a wrong thing nor the right thing. Also, an action is morally acceptable if it does not violate the rights of anyone while promoting the best interest of everyone (Young, 2019). As such, if the person suffering wants to die, and the family of this person want them to die peacefully, then it would be acceptable and morally justified. Deontology theory is not justified in Euthanasia since it gives reasons not to justify suicide. Utilitarianism provides the best moral justification for Euthanasia as it wrong and right are determined by the outcome and situation. Also, it can be justified through the theory.

Part 2

Applying the theories of deontology and utilitarianism to Euthanasia indicates that it cannot be justified exclusively through Kant' s theory, but can be through utilitarianism. The theory shows that if an action enforces utility and is good for most of the people, then it is morally right and can be justified. As such, Euthanasia is justified if it can increase the majority's utility and can be used to end their suffering. The utility for Euthanasia can be increased not only for the patient but for their families as well. These patients will have peace of mind knowing that their deaths will be peaceful by the side of the families. As much as it is not an easy thing to lose a love one, it is easier for most families to see their loved ones dying this way rather than watching them suffer from their illnesses until they die.

Euthanasia helps in relieving pain and suffering. Although most people die sudden, acute deaths, Euthanasia may present itself as the best solution to assist people from suffering from needless and endless pain. Terminal medical conditions such as cancer and paralysis, among others, may cause patients unbearable anguish that can only be relieved by Euthanasia. Therefore, patients that have distinct dying processed may be best suited to request euthanasia. It also gives psychological reassurance for patients (Jacobs et al., 2019). Euthanasia may present itself as a reassuring option, especially for patients suffering from terminal illnesses given the discussion is brought up by the physicians. Over 40% of the public believe that having conversations with terminally ill patients over the possibility of PAS may result in the openness and trust in doctors, especially for the 41.6% having terminal cancer. Although I am liberal, I would only support Euthanasia for a loved one on extreme situations. If my loved one suffers from a medical condition that is severe or terminal such as cancer and facing intense pains, and given that the physician has assured me that there is no other way to relieve his or her pain other than through PAS, I would support the decision. In such a case, I would accept my loved one's wishes to help maintain a positive relationship with the individual that will allow him or her to have a peaceful death.

Legalizing Euthanasia presents some ethical benefits and relief to patients. Euthanasia provides patients with quality death. According to Cohen et al. (2018), Euthanasia offers patients suffering from terminal illnesses a good death and a quality dying experience. In an instance where the patient voluntarily consents to Euthanasia, it provides them adequate time to say goodbye and have final peaceful moments with their family before finally dying. It also helps patients realize individual autonomy. Although the concept is controversial, allowing Euthanasia gives patients the freedom of choice and independence in their own lives (Emanuel 631). Ideally, it offers patients a better dying experience compared to taking their own lives. It also helps end patients suffering from excruciating pain as a result of terminal medical conditions.

Conclusion

Ethical factors cannot be downplayed when discussing such a sensitive human issue. Despite the inherent benefit, Euthanasia presents particular disadvantages to patients. Ideally, most people believe that the practice of Euthanasia undermines the ethical standards of the medical field (Harris, 2018). Doctors are meant to treat and save lives; therefore, Euthanasia goes against the main principles of the medical profession. Euthanasia may also present psychological effects for patients. There still are objections even though the utilitarianism theory justifies Euthanasia. The utility is argued to be a flawed theory as it can be a difficult thing to distinguish the different pleasure kinds.

References

Jacobs, L., Bourassa, D. V., Harris, C. E., & Burr, R. J. (2019). Euthanasia for broiler chickens: manual and mechanical cervical dislocation methods.

Young, J., Egan, R., Walker, S., Graham-DeMello, A., & Jackson, C. (2019). The euthanasia debate: synthesizing the evidence on New Zealander's attitudes. Kotuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online, 14(1), 1-21.

Keown, J. (2018). Euthanasia, ethics, and public policy: an argument against legalization. Cambridge University Press.

Cohen, J., Dierickx, S., Penders, Y. W., Deliens, L., & Chambaere, K. (2018). How accurately is Euthanasia reported on death certificates in a country with legal Euthanasia: a population-based study. European journal of epidemiology, 33(7), 689-693.

Harris, J. M. (2018). Euthanasia: grief and bereavement. In BSAVA Manual of Avian Practice (pp. 187-190). BSAVA Library.