In 2005, the number of baby boomers in the United States reached 78.2 million, which is one reason why the ethics of euthanasia is an important topic for medical professionals. There are many concerns to ponder when dealing with this highly sensitive issue. Professionals in private practice must consider the legal, moral and ethical implications of assisted suicide when faced with this matter.
What are the pros of euthanasia and why would a patient desire this option? What are the cons of euthanasia? How will your practice explain its position if a terminally ill patient requests your assistance in taking his or her life? These are difficult questions to ponder, both for the medical professional and the patient. Regardless of the position your practice supports, education and sensitivity are key to managing this issue. Consider the following points:
1. Examine print and electronic sources about the ethics of euthanasia;
2. Study the pros and cons of the euthanasia argument;
3. Learn about organizations that address euthanasia pros and cons.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Analyze the literature on the ethics of euthanasia
Make an informed decision about how your practice will approach assisted death ethics by familiarizing yourself with the large body of literature available on the topic.
I recommend: Hospice Patients Alliance provides a list of articles about assisted death cases from many sources spanning a number of years. The Doctor-Assisted Suicide guide on the
Longwood University-Greenwood Library site was last updated in 2004, but provides multimedia resources regarding the debate on ethics of euthanasia. Ethical pros and cons of euthanasia are also presented in the
Ethics Updates print and electronic resources.
Research arguments on the ethical pros and cons of euthanasia
Expose yourself to the details of the euthanasia argument by diving into positions of each side of this issue.
I recommend: ProCon.org is a non-profit organization that makes available information on the ethical pros and cons of euthanasia. The organization claims no position on the argument and seeks only to educate.
Euthanasia.com also presents the pros of euthanasia, but its primary mission is to stand against assisted death.
Determine your position on the ethics of euthanasia
Decide how euthanasia business ethics affects your practice then choose an organization on either side of the issue that can help you tailor the message you give to patients.
I recommend: The
National Right to Life Committee, established in 1973, is known for its stance against abortion. The organization also has a strong position against euthanasia. The non-profit organization,
Death with Dignity Center, supports the states with or attempting to pass Death with Dignity laws through legal and monetary contributions.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If your office services a large elderly population, it would benefit you to familiarize yourself with current ethics on euthanasia by reading the updated American Geriatrics Society's position on the topic.
The official source of Ethics of Euthanasia is the Ethics of Euthanasia page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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