A Critique of Three Objections to Physician-Assisted Suicide
Article Abstract:
Objections can be raised to physician-assisted suicide (PAS) on the grounds that it differs from foregoing life support, but three perspective can frame the objections. First, patient self-determination may be more important than bodily integrity. Second, arguing PAS is a violation of physician responsibility denies physician responsibility taken for terminal sedation and foregoing life support. Finally, a patient may have more moral justification in deciding to end life when the patient is mentally competent than surrogate decision-makers have when the patient is mentally incompetent.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Of Assisted Suicide and "The Philosophers' Brief"
Article Abstract:
"The Philosopher's Brief" written by six distinguished philosophers was submitted to the Supreme Court as an argument to support physician-assisted suicide. It argues for a person's right to make decisions regarding life's value. However, the autonomy of individuals is a function of societal progress, and the social and economic inequalities in society do not guarantee that every individual has reached a valid autonomous position. Other matters, such as relieving pain near the time of death, should perhaps receive more societal concern than physician-assisted suicide.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Physician-Assisted Suicide: Two Moral Arguments
Article Abstract:
Two popular arguments against physician-assisted suicide are faulty. One argument makes the distinction between killing and allowing a patient to die. Physician intervention, however, is integral to both. A second argument distinguishes a physician's intent to perform an act and the ability to foresee what may ensue. All moral consequences, however, are not based on intentions.
Publication Name: Ethics
Subject: Philosophy and religion
ISSN: 0014-1704
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: