Euthanasia

Euthanasia
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Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the practice of purposively ending one’s life if signs of surviving are not apparent. Each country of the world has its own regulations concerning euthanasia. It can be categorised as voluntary, involuntary and non-voluntary. In many incidences, the act is carried out as per the request of the patient but at other times; the patient may even be too sick to make such a decision, hence, the relatives or medics have to decide on the way forward (Fieser, 2011).
The subject of euthanasia has been and continues to attract ethical and moral dilemma. Arguments on whether to legalize or criminalize some forms of euthanasia are rife in many societies. The concept of whether it is justifiable ending one’s life on account of suffering or pain is an issue that needs critical thinking. Although initially the purpose of euthanasia was to ensure that a patient died peacefully, today’s meaning may be taken in another perspective to include evading the pain. The concept of euthanasia has however failed to recognize the spiritual aspect of some people who are in total objection of the same. Medics and the authorities concerned have to re-examine this aspect since there have been cases where patients in critical situations have gone on to survive regardless of the lack of hope by the patients, families and even the physicians themselves. The ethical theories for medical doctors explain values and norms to be adhered to by the medics in various health related issues. In justifying or delineating euthanasia, several people have applied theories that relate to this perspective. Such theories may include but may not be limited to: deontology, Naturalism, Utilitarianism, virtue ethics, feminist and relational ethics.
Naturalism Theory
The theory of naturalism relates that ethics depends upon the nature and psychology: human beings have to follow laws, which are acceptable by the majority of the people. In essence, natural theory relates that we should avoid all forms of evil regardless of the prevailing circumstances. In accordance to the theory, the end result cannot justify the means used. The main aim of these ethics is to preserve life (Carver, Hare, 1986). Hence, in this perspective, we ought to do well and shun evil at all times.
Basing our principals in this theory, medics have to ask themselves if what they do is rightly accepted and justifiable to the patient, relatives and even themselves. Naturalism theory depicts that what we do must be consisted with the existing natural laws. The principle of beneficence for nurses requires that one has to act for the benefit of others (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 2008). This is further supported by the Canadian Health Principles, which articulate that an act by a physician must be universally acceptable. Therefore, we must ask our self if by the making the patient dies, he or she could have benefitted in any way.
Utilitarianism Theory
The theory of Utilitarianism was brought forth by John Stuart Mill, in this theory; he explains that if the end result of an action brings goodness, then that action is right. With regard to euthanasia, Mill’s viewpoint must be examined with a critical mind to a certain its relevancy. A patient in this situation may decide to continue living just for the good of his or her people; the patient may perceive that if he or dies, then this means he might offend them. Taken in another angle, utilitarianism theory may encourage one to die so as to reduce the pain and suffering so encountered. This is because by the person continuing living with the pain and suffering, then literary there is no good achieved. Mill’s theory can also make individuals or families to consider euthanasia due to the expenses of the medical cost incurred. They may argue that prolonged life will ultimately lead to increased cost and medical expenses and therefore will just lead to the burdening of the society. Others can utilize the resources used in treating such an individual to make their lives better.
Based on the Utilitarianism perspective, a family may want the patient to remain around, and this may be due to societal value of life. Therefore, all possibilities of saving life should be looked into because this will result into the goodness of the society. In this case, the decision on whether to end or preserve a life may become quite hard for the medic. Physicians have a duty to preserve life at all costs. The society is optimistic for medics to do every thing possible to save life and not to end it .They do not expect that the physicians will be defeated and instead reach appoint of deciding to assist ...