Respond to below:
Euthanasia is an important topic that arises in the fields of ethics. I do believe that there are similarities between physician assisted suicide and euthanasia, as they both address medical assistance in dying (Pesut et al., 2019). Voluntary active euthanasia is when a healthcare physician intentionally ends a life by administering a lethal medication. This is only completed at the patients voluntary request when they are of competent mindset. There is currently only legal provision for assisted dying in seven of the fifty states in our country. There are multiple views and beliefs on this in the field of healthcare. Some individuals may view euthanasia as an act of kindness that is prompted by a sense of mercy or respect for the individualâs wishes. This belief aligns with the ethical principles such as right to life and autonomy. Requesting the wishes of a competent individual can help to minimize the amount of suffering. This can improve the quality at the end of their life. Instead of the patient suffering in pain, they can peacefully die with respect and dignity (Fontalis et al., 2018).
On the other hand, it may be viewed by some individuals as an act of murder and a violation of the Hippocratic Oath. The ethical principles of non-maleficence and beneficence have been the foundation of ethics due to the Hippocratic Oath. These ethical principles are questioned in regard to euthanasia, as some view it as harming or not acting in the best interest of the patient. Religious views can play into this argument, as human life was created by God. Therefore, only God has the right to determine when oneâs life can begin and end (Fontalis et al., 2018).
I personally have mixed thoughts on the matter. I currently practice in the state of Pennsylvania, where euthanasia is illegal. I believe that as a provider I should value the patientâs thoughts and wishes to help them live a happy and comfortable life. Therefore, I do not have to make decisions that could question my ethical or moral beliefs regarding best practice.
References
Fontalis, A., Prousali, E., & Kulkarni, K. (2018). Euthanasia and assisted dying: what is the current position and what are the key arguments informing the debate?
Journal of Royal Society of Medicine, 111(11), 407-413. https://doi.org/10.1177/0141076818803452
Pesut, B., Storch, J., Burgess, M., Tishelman, C., Chambaere, K., & Janke, R. (2019). Nursing and euthanasia: A narrative review of the nursing ethics literature.
Nursing Ethics, 27(1), 152-167. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733019845127
Respond to below: Euthanasia is an important topic that arises in the fields of
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