The act of committing suicide while receiving medical assistance
The act of committing suicide while receiving medical assistance is known as physician-assisted suicide (PAS) (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2014).
Interest and Discussion
Different organisations and people have expressed interest in the discussion around the bioethical implications of the technique and whether it should be made legal.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise reduces misery and discomfort, which benefits society more as a whole. Therefore, it needs to be made legal in more nations and states.
Utilitarian Ethical Theory
According to the utilitarian ethical theory, the action that benefits the greatest number of people is the one that is most morally right (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2014). When a patient is terminally ill, and death is inevitable, it is critical to ask whether it is necessary for the patient to continue suffering. The family may also be facing emotional and financial torture. In this case, PAS will lead to greater happiness in the family and eliminate the pain from the terminally ill patient. This good makes the action morally right.
Respect to Autonomy
Additionally, respect to autonomy, the ability of an individual to make choices affecting their lives, should be upheld (Sulmasy & Mueller, 2017). PAS is ethically correct if the patient decides that they want to die to get rid of the pain and suffering.
Opposing Argument
The opponents of PAS base their argument on the deontology ethical theory that professionals should adhere to their obligation and duties (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2014). They argue that the physician's only responsibility is to protect the patient's life. However, the patient's autonomy and the right to decide how to end their lives is superior.
Conclusion
PAS is an ethically correct practice since it seeks to achieve the greater happiness to the larger group of individuals in society. The practice alleviates pain and suffering from the patient and the family members.
References
Thiroux, J. P., & Krasemann, K. W. (2014). Ethics: Theory and Practice. Pearson.
Sulmasy, L. S., & Mueller, P. S. (2017). Ethics and the Legalization of Physician-Assisted Suicide: An American College of Physicians Position Paper. Annals of Internal Medicine, 12-32.
