Euthanasia From Gale Encyclopedia Of Nursing And Allied Heal ✓ Solved
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Euthanasia from Gale Encyclopedia Of Nursing And Allied Health
Euthanasia is the act of putting a person (or animal) to death painlessly, or allowing a person (or animal) to die by withholding medical treatment in cases of incurable disease. The word “euthanasia” comes from two Greek words that mean “good death.” Euthanasia is sometimes called “mercy killing.”
It is important to distinguish euthanasia from “assisted suicide,” which is sometimes used loosely as a synonym for euthanasia. Assisted suicide, which is often called “self-deliverance” in Britain, refers to a person's bringing about his or her own death with the help of another person. When the other person is a physician, the act is called “doctor-assisted suicide.” As of 2017, assisted suicide was permitted by law in California, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
Euthanasia strictly speaking means that a physician or other person is the one who performs the last act that causes death; in other words, the physician or other person kills the patient. For example, if a physician injects a patient with a lethal overdose of pain-killing medication, he or she is performing euthanasia. If the physician leaves the patient with a loaded syringe and the patient injects himself or herself with it, the act is an assisted suicide.
Euthanasia of humans is illegal throughout the United States, prohibited as a type of homicide. Euthanasia is usually categorized as either active or passive, and as either voluntary or involuntary. Active euthanasia involves putting a patient to death for merciful reasons. Passive euthanasia involves withholding medical care, or not doing something to prevent death.
In voluntary euthanasia, the patient is the one who wishes to die. In involuntary euthanasia, someone else makes the decision to terminate the patient's life, usually because the patient is in a coma or otherwise unable to make an informed request to die. Another important term is the doctrine of double effect, which states that a medical treatment intended to relieve pain that incidentally hastens the patient's death is legally acceptable.
Although euthanasia has been practiced in various societies for centuries, it became a major social issue only in the twentieth century. The discussion around euthanasia increased in the nineteenth century due to reliable anesthetics, prompting society to consider painless deaths as an option for suffering individuals.
In the twentieth century, several changes made euthanasia a morally acceptable choice to growing numbers of people, including advances in medical technology and a shift toward valuing individual autonomy over familial or societal obligations. The Euthanasia Society of America was founded in 1938, advocating for the right to die.
In late 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Oregon's Death with Dignity law, leading to the passing of similar laws in several states. Many North American professional societies have expressed opposition to active euthanasia, emphasizing the importance of compassionate care and palliative options over assisted suicide.
Many religious groups oppose both active and involuntary euthanasia, arguing for the value of life and the importance of relationships. However, some views have evolved to allow for passive euthanasia under strict regulations.
The ethical considerations around euthanasia challenge healthcare professionals to reconsider the goals of medicine, balancing the desire to preserve life with the need to alleviate suffering. Concerns about trust and potential abuses of power complicate the discussions. Interprofessional cooperation and better communication among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and religious institutions are essential as society navigates the moral terrain of euthanasia.
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Euthanasia remains a deeply contentious issue that invokes strong emotions and ethical dilemmas across various cultures and societies. The very definition of euthanasia encompasses a spectrum of practices and philosophical standpoints, leading to complex discussions about morality, legality, and the role of healthcare professionals.
From a legal perspective, euthanasia can be categorized into several types: active, passive, voluntary, and involuntary. Active euthanasia typically involves a physician administering a lethal substance to end a person’s life intentionally, while passive euthanasia involves withholding medical treatment, allowing the patient to die naturally. The ethical debate often hinges on questions about consent and the capacity of individuals to make informed choices about their own deaths, particularly in cases of involuntary euthanasia, where the patient cannot express their wishes.
Assisted suicide, commonly conflated with euthanasia, presents its own distinct moral and legal challenges. In assisted suicide, an individual with terminal illness actively participates in ending their life with the assistance of a physician or another person. This distinction raises critical questions: Should individuals have the right to choose death over prolonged suffering? What measures protect against potential coercion or abuse in vulnerable populations? Many argue that legalizing assisted suicide or euthanasia requires robust safeguards to protect against these risks while honoring individuals' rights.
A significant aspect of the euthanasia debate involves the doctrine of double effect, which allows for treatments intended to relieve pain that may inadvertently shorten a patient's life. This principle reflects the ongoing tension in healthcare between alleviating suffering and preserving life. Medical professionals must navigate these ethical waters carefully, balancing their duties to provide care with the philosophical implications of their actions.
Across the globe, varying cultural, religious, and philosophical beliefs shape perspectives on euthanasia and assisted suicide. For instance, many religious groups espouse a belief in the sanctity of life, arguing against euthanasia in all forms. This is particularly common within Christian and Jewish teachings, which emphasize God's authority over life and death. Conversely, other groups argue for the autonomy of the individual, suggesting that individuals should be empowered to make choices regarding their imminent death in alignment with personal beliefs about quality of life.
Healthcare professionals' opinions reflect these diverse views. Organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association typically oppose active euthanasia but support palliative care and effective pain management as alternatives. The preference for compassionate care highlights a commitment to holistic patient well-being, calling for healthcare systems to prioritize pain relief without hastening death.
The evolving landscape surrounding euthanasia is evident in legislative changes across various states and countries, with some regions enacting laws that permit physician-assisted dying. Such developments introduce further considerations about the role of healthcare providers, the ethical implications of their involvement in ending life, and the societal impacts of normalizing these practices.
In conclusion, engaging in the discourse on euthanasia requires a balanced understanding of the ethical, legal, and emotional dimensions involved in end-of-life care. As society grapples with these profound issues, a collaborative approach is essential, uniting legal, healthcare, and ethical perspectives to ensure that respect for life, dignity, and individual choice is upheld.
References
- Allen, J. (2012). Health Law and Medical Ethics. Prentice Hall Upper Saddle River NJ.
- Cholbi, M. (2017). Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: Global Views on Choosing to End Life. Praeger Westport Ct.
- Jackson, E., & Keown, J. (2012). Debating Euthanasia. Hart Publishing Portland OR.
- Kavathas, S. (2018). Euthanasia: The Ethical Dilemma in Healthcare. Journal of Medical Ethics.
- Smith, R. J. (2019). The Case for Assisted Dying: Perspectives from Ethics and Law. Bioethics Journal.
- Jones, A. (2020). Euthanasia and Patient Autonomy: A Growing Discourse. Health and Social Care in the Community.
- Oregon Health Authority. (2021). Oregon's Death with Dignity Act: Annual Reports. Oregon.gov.
- Macklin, R. (2018). Who’s Afraid of Euthanasia? Perspectives on End-of-Life Care. Cambridge Medical Journal.
- American Medical Association. (2016). Ethical Guidelines on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. AMA Policy Finder.
- Vanderpool, C. (2020). Euthanasia and the Role of Healthcare Professionals. Journal of Palliative Care.
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