Question

Using Jonsen’s four quadrants.

Begining of life: on what grounds can anyone judge that some quality of life would be undesirable for a patient who cannot make it express such a Judgement? Answer should be considered in ethical literature.

Answer 1

The grounds on which one can judge if some quality of life would be undesirable for a patient who cannot make it express such a judgment is the effects on life quality that will come into effect from different treatments or lack of treatment. As the patient cannot make or express such a judgment the ethical onus will be on the physicians to comprehend the expectations of the patients on life. The physician will also have to consider the opinion of the patient with regards to the physical, mental and social influence the treatment will have on the life of the patient.

The ethical perspective that comes into picture is based on ethical values like beneficence, nonmaleficence, and the need for autonomy that a patient desires.

As the opinions about quality of life can be subjective it is important to ensure that there are no biases in opinions. To avoid biases and to ensure that there are no ethical digressions a fair degree of neutrality should be maintained. This will allow the observer to assess patient life quality based on the best possible interests of the patient as well as the desires of the patient.