PHIL 434 Term Paper Topic

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West Coast University, Ontario *

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434

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Philosophy

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Week 2 Term Paper Topic West Coast University PHIL 434: Medical Ethics and Issues Professor Ian McDougall November 8, 2023

2 Week 2 Term Paper: Topic Topic Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and its ethical implications in end-of-life care Why I Chose This Topic I chose this topic because the topic intrigued me when we had to research and write about it for our discussion post, and I wanted to gain more knowledge on this topic. Selecting the topic of Physician-assisted suicide and its ethical implications in end-of-life care, was a decision driven by the pressing need to explore the complex ethical dilemmas surrounding this contentious issue. In the field of medicine, where the primary focus is on preserving life and alleviating suffering, the question of whether or not physicians should be involved in assisting patients in ending their lives is one of great moral significance. This topic offers a unique opportunity to delve into the intersections of medical practice, patient autonomy, and societal values. By studying the arguments and counterarguments, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical, legal, and philosophical dimensions of physician-assisted suicide. Pro Arguments Physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia are supported by various ethical arguments, with a primary emphasis on the principle of autonomy. Supporters argue that individuals should have the right to make decisions about their own lives, including the timing and manner of their death. This perspective is grounded in ethical theories such as autonomy-based ethics and deontology. Autonomy-based ethics, rooted in Kantian principles, assert that individuals have a moral duty to respect the autonomy of others. In the context of PAS, this means respecting a person's informed and voluntary choice to end their life. Additionally, utilitarianism, which

3 emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number, is sometimes invoked to justify ending a life to alleviate overall suffering. Con Arguments Conversely, ethical arguments against practices like physician-assisted suicide typically center on the sanctity of life and the potential for abuse. Opponents argue that intentionally ending a life, even at the request of the patient, goes against the fundamental value of preserving life. The slippery slope argument is often presented, suggesting that allowing assisted suicide in certain cases may lead to a broader acceptance of euthanasia, potentially putting vulnerable populations at risk. Deontological ethics, which emphasizes duties and rules, is often cited to argue against intentional killing, as well as virtue ethics, which emphasizes the character of the agent and the intrinsic value of life. My Current Stance on the Topic As of now, my stance on the topic is against physician-assisted suicide. While I recognize the importance of autonomy and the desire to alleviate suffering, the potential ethical pitfalls, such as the risk of abuse, the devaluation of human life, and the erosion of trust in the medical profession, lead me to lean towards a more conservative stance. However, I approach this research with an open mind, acknowledging that further exploration and analysis may lead to a nuanced understanding that could potentially influence my stance as I delve deeper into the ethical intricacies of end-of-life decision-making.

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4 References Against physician assisted suicide . (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books? hl=en&lr=&id=D-8ymN175B8C&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq= %22palliative+care+perspective %22+physician+assisted+suicide&ots=FvLiGUxHBU&sig=ebdRxChzIoFArm- 0AHrfMhm5dLg#v=onepage&q=%22palliative%20care%20perspective %22%20physician%20assisted%20suicide&f=false Ahlzén, R. (2020). Suffering, authenticity, and physician assisted suicide. Medicine Health Care and Philosophy, 23(3), 353–359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11019-019-09929-z Colleran, M., & Doherty, A. M. (2023). Examining assisted suicide and euthanasia through the lens of healthcare quality. Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-023-03418-2 Fernando, A., Rea, C., & Malpas, P. (2018). Compassion from a palliative care perspective. PubMed , 131 (1468), 25–32. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29346354 Tahmasebi, M. (2023). Ethics and palliative care: a case of patient’s autonomy. Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.18502/jmehm.v15i16.11574 Quill, T. E., & Battin, M. P. (2004). Physician-Assisted dying: The Case for Palliative Care and Patient Choice . JHU Press. Rubenfeld, S., & Sulmasy, D. P. (2020). Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Before, During, and After the Holocaust . Lexington Books.

PHIL 434 Term Paper Topic

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