| George’s diagnosis and consideration of the possibility of voluntary euthanasia create a complex ethical dilemma. However, regardless of the situation, my decision would be shaped by my professional and personal worldviews. Professionally, I am bound to the ethical principles in medicine; I must respect patient autonomy. At the same time, I must provide my patient, George, with care that reduces harm and is beneficial to his health, sufficient and easy-to-understand information on ALS and euthanasia to help him make informed decisions. In this case, my decision would be to respect and support George’s decision, regardless of whether he chooses voluntary euthanasia. My other decision would be to respect George’s autonomy and provide information on viable alternatives for palliative care that would not only help manage his symptoms but also help George to appreciate the value of life and maximize the quality of his remaining life. |
Anderson, R. T. (n.d.). Always Care, Never Kill: How Physician-Assisted Suicide Endangers the Weak, Corrupts Medicine, Compromises the Family, and Violates Human Dignity and Equality. Retrieved December 10, 2023, from http://guides.library.jhu.edu/content.php?pid=23699&sid=190555
Bogue, D. W., & Hogan, M. (2022). Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care (2nd ed.). Grand Canyon University. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Hoehner, P. J. (2020). Death, Dying, and Grief. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care (1st ed.). https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/4
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