Question

Consider the practice of physician-assisted suicide. Explain why you feel this practice is ethical (or not) and why. If you believe it is, explain what requirements should be met before such a request be granted (age, terminal diagnosis, level of pain, etc.).

Answer 1

Physician assisted suicide is a process where doctor give a medication to the patient which will end the life of the patient.This practice allows the patient to die without much pain.They don't want to suffer the constant pain .The cost of medical treatment is usually high and they don't want to be a burden to the family. This type of options are available for terminally ill or elderly patients who are under the constant pain ,and has life expectancy of 6 months or less . Patient should be above 18 years above and can make and communicate the health decision and should have a terminal illness with life expectancy of less than 6 months.They can request a physician to prescribe a lethal dose to end patient's life.

Physician assisted suicide is a controversial topic and some people thinks that a person has the right to life and death.According to me this type of practice is unethical because of ;

1.This practice can be abused: Elderly people, uninsured people can be targeted and it's not safe to make it legal all around the country.

2.Depressed patients may use this type of practice to end their life.

3.It is a unethical practice and destabilize other care provided by medical professionals.

4.The main goal of a doctor is to save a life and giving medicine to end a patient's life is not a legitimate medical practice.

5.Palliative care is another option to reduce the pain and assisted suicide is not needed.

6 . It is unethical and any form of killing even when requested by the patient is a type of murder.

7.From religious perspectives , physical assisted suicide is morally wrong.