Physician Assisted Suicide: Good or Bad Essay Example

may impose (Cited in Mosser, 2010, section 2.3, para 35).

Each belief comes with incentives and consequences, but those can possibly be altered or forgiven by God. Choosing this path requires absolute certainty, as there is no possibility of a "bring back potion" to resurrect someone after committing suicide. It is crucial to acknowledge that this decision places a burden on the physician who swore an oath when becoming a doctor. Approving such a choice ultimately lacks wisdom, as no one else can alter your mindset except for yourself. Opting to embrace palliative care until the moment when the Lord decides to take you offers its advantages, particularly if you are someone who values their family. During your final breaths, you will be surrounded by loved ones who genuinely care about you. Family and friends play a pivotal role in life by providing the necessary encouragement to maintain motivation in tackling your health issues.

Physicians typically discourage involvement in an individual's decision to end their own life due to possible legal repercussions if they provide a prescription that could be utilized for this purpose. Doctors have the choice to decline assistance in any type of suicide. Nevertheless, patients also possess autonomy - the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies. It is widely accepted that capable adults possess the right to self-determination and can decide whether or not to withhold or cease life-supporting treatment.

"(cited in Rogatz, 2001. Para. 3) On the other hand, 'If patients seek such help, it is cruel to leave them to fend for themselves weighing options that are both traumatic and uncertain, when humane assistance could be made available.' (cited in Rogatz,

2001. Para."

It is unacceptable for physicians who support assisted suicide to be condemned, particularly when the patient is mentally capable of making such a decision. The problem arises in how a physician can effectively monitor which patients are taking which medications and if they present a suicide risk. The oath taken by medical professionals upon graduation should be enforced as not doing so may lead to license revocation. A medical license holds great significance as it directly affects both one's life and professional standing.

When a medical professional makes a mistake and inadvertently causes death, medication errors, or over-sedation, they may face severe consequences. This includes losing their license, job, and potentially their entire career. In some cases, they may even face imprisonment. However, physician-assisted suicide is not about doctors becoming killers. It is about acknowledging the suffering of patients for whom we cannot alleviate their pain and not refusing them help when they request it.

According to Rogatz (2001, para 1), it is evident that individuals seeking assistance for pain or depression are not required to be helped in committing suicide by physicians. However, physicians are obliged to provide assistance for their problems. Conversely, patients should not have to question whether the medication prescribed by their doctors could result in death. This notion is highlighted in an article which argues that permitting assisted suicide should not instill fear in patients as they would have complete control over administering a fatal dose (cited in Rogatz, 2001).

Paragraph 10 explains that as patients, we shouldn't have to worry about certain matters, but at the same time, we should be concerned because physicians see numerous patients daily. The text mentions

the Schiavo case in which a family member wanted the patient to remain in a vegetative state indefinitely, while another person was willing to let the patient pass away peacefully, respecting their wishes.

Religious reasons were presented in court cases regarding this situation, but they were ultimately dismissed by the courts as the patient was deemed to be in a "vegetative state". Religious traditions, specifically the three major monotheistic religions we have discussed, offer some guidance.

(Cited in Mosser, 2010. Section 4.)

The text in paragraph 28 of the Hastings Center Report (38(5), 23-26) suggests that while guidance can be provided, there are no definitive answers to difficult decisions that need immediate attention. Each family member's situation may vary, but regardless of the circumstances, religious beliefs should not be the sole determining factor in decision-making.

References

1. Confronting Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: My Father's Death. Hastings Center Report, 38(5), 23-26.
2. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Mosser, K. (2010). A Concise Introduction to Philosophy.
3. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
4. Retrieved from: https://content.ashford.edu/books/AUPHI200.

10. 2/ Smith, W. (2011).