Phil 380 Personal Code of Ethics: End of Life Assignment

Our emotions get strained when we see loved ones suffering and the only end seems to be end of life. In this section, you must consider the best way to approach end-of-life care. This section must include the following:

1. A statement on both the definition of death and the best means of determining death (select one).
2. Your view on the distinction between active and passive euthanasia: Is there a distinctive difference or not?
3. A statement on the specific procedures and practices, if any, that can justifiably be removed or withheld from dying patients and those that cannot (specifically address nutrition and hydration)
4. A statement of the value and need for advanced directives (pro or con).
5. A statement of the morality of suicide and assisted suicide: Is it ever allowable, and should physicians be involved?

Solution: Phil 380 Personal Code of Ethics: End of Life Assignment

As a Christian, I believe that death is a natural part of life, and it occurs when the soul departs from the body. In the medical field, death can be described as cardiorespiratory failure or neurological failure (brain death). The determination of death in medical practice should be guided by medical ethics and standards.

Active euthanasia is defined as the intentional act of ending a patient’s life (e.g. administering a legal drug) while passive euthanasia is withholding/ withdrawing life-sustaining treatments leading to a patient’s death[1]. From my ethical perspective, active euthanasia, which involves the direct act of killing, is morally unsound and goes against the sixth commandment “Do not murder”.[2] The decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment for patients must be made on an ethical basis which involves ensuring the patients and their families are educated to make informed consent, their autonomy is respected, and the patient is protected from any pain and suffering through hospice and palliative care services.

End-of-life care must maintain compassion, respect for the patient’s dignity, and autonomy. In some cases, practices and procedures such as aggressive life-sustaining treatments that offer little benefit to patients e.g. use of mechanical ventilation for terminally ill patients may be justifiably withheld or withdrawn. The dying patient however deserves hospice or….Please click purchase button below to get full answer for $10

Related: (Solution) Phil 380 Response Paper: Active and Passive Euthanasia Assignment