How would you advice a
patient who wants euthanasia
and what are the ethical
considerations?
Euthanasia is the act of ending life based on the idea that it may end suffering
for a person who is experiencing chronic illness or pain. Active euthanasia,
which is the act of prescribing a pill or injection which would end the patients
life, is illegal in the UK, however, this service is offered in other countries, such
as Switzerland.
Steps to take
You should not as a doctor, in any way, encourage a patient to end their
own life, but you also must respect the autonomy that a patient has over
their own lives.
You are able to objectively state facts about euthanasia, however, you must
not encourage anything.
Remaining empathetic at all stages is essential, and you must not pass any
judgement or impose any of your own morals or personal opinions.
As a doctor, it is your duty to act within the principles of medical ethics,
such as beneficence, non maleficence as well as autonomy.
Go through healthcare plan with the patient, such as looking further into
improving palliative care, as well assessing mental health and if the patient
has any unmet palliative care needs.
Signposting the patient to other services, such as therapy or other support
services.
Conclusion: weigh up the different sides of argument- patient autonomy,
beneficence (euthanasia would end pain for patient and therefore could argue it
is acting within their best interests), argument of non maleficence as well as
How would you advice a patient who wants euthanasia and what are the ethical considerations? 1
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