The killing of a disabled person is not 'compassionate'. It is not 'euthanasia'. It is murder" - Stella Young |
Dying is not a crime" - Jack Kevorkian |
BENEFICENCE
Beneficence means that what you are doing is supposed to benefit the patient. This idea of beneficence can become misconstrued due to the fact euthanasia could be considered beneficial and harmful. To the patient, dying may sound more appealing than living, so euthanasia may not be such a bad idea to them. however, doctors do not typically see this as beneficial to anyone. This is what makes euthanasia so controversial, there is no clear idea of what is more beneficial to the patient.
NON-MALEFICENCE
Non-Maleficence is very similar to beneficence because it states that everything done to a patient must not harm them. However, continuing this bio-science, the end result will always be death. This is why the science is so controversial because this science in the minds of many is very harmful. however, to the patient, this is the result they are comfortable and okay with. This idea is heavily debated also because of the religious conflicts involved. Some can say it is not gods will for these patients to die and therefor they should not go through with plans to end their life.
AUTONOMY
The definition of autonomy simply means to be respectful to the patients wishes whether you, as their doctor, believe it is right or not. Autonomy is the main reason there is a debate about physician-assisted suicide. Doctors are trained to save people, not end their lives, so when people wish to die it is a crisis because it is not what the doctors had planned on. They are trained not to stop treatment, but to continue it as long as possible. Autonomy means that despite all the doctors schooling and knowledge, they must sometimes give up the control and let the patients have control over themselves. "For example, if a competent renal dialysis patient wishes to forego treatments and die, then the principle of autonomy comes into conflict with, say, the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence" (Moreland).
JUSTICE
"The principle of justice could be described as the moral obligation to act on the basis of fair adjudication between competing claims" (Alzheimer). Everyone, no matter what side of the bioethical dilemma should be given a chance to speak for their beliefs and it should be heard fairly when making these types of decisions. Making sure everyone has a fair playing field is what gives everyone hope that the judge could rule in their favor. It is also very important because the decision in physician-assisted suicide is life or death... literally.