Mentor/s
Professor Marmo-Roman
Participation Type
Paper Talk
Abstract
Advancement in technology has drastically changed the healthcare system, ultimately giving rise to a greater life expectancy compared to older generations. However, the improvements in drugs and medications have also led to quickening death with the help from a physician. This idea has influenced a debate between the duty of a physician to heal rather than harm an individual. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate if there is enough evidence to justify the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. Through an evaluation of journal articles within the Sacred Heart University library database as well as Google Scholar, the role of a slippery slope, palliative care, and autonomy were analyzed to debate the justification of physician-assisted suicide. Some statistics superficially lead to the belief of a slippery slope of the legalization of physician-assisted suicide influencing the acceptance of euthanasia, however, it can be challenged because that trend is not seen in countries that only legalized one action without the other. Physician-assisted suicide disproportionately affects individuals that are white, educated, and insured; not leading to the exploitation of marginalized populations. Increased development of palliative care has been seen in countries that legalized physician-assisted suicide. Lastly, from the physician perspective, there is more physician support for legalization of physician-assisted suicide over ethical justification and participation. Therefore, the legalization of physician-assisted suicide provide individuals with the opportunity of a safe medical procedure but should not force doctors or patients to participate if they do not desire to do so.
College and Major available
College of Arts and Sciences, Biology, Chemistry
Location
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Start Day/Time
4-29-2022 1:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-29-2022 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Best Writing
The Debate of Physician-Assisted Suicide
Digital Commons & West Campus West Building
Advancement in technology has drastically changed the healthcare system, ultimately giving rise to a greater life expectancy compared to older generations. However, the improvements in drugs and medications have also led to quickening death with the help from a physician. This idea has influenced a debate between the duty of a physician to heal rather than harm an individual. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate if there is enough evidence to justify the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. Through an evaluation of journal articles within the Sacred Heart University library database as well as Google Scholar, the role of a slippery slope, palliative care, and autonomy were analyzed to debate the justification of physician-assisted suicide. Some statistics superficially lead to the belief of a slippery slope of the legalization of physician-assisted suicide influencing the acceptance of euthanasia, however, it can be challenged because that trend is not seen in countries that only legalized one action without the other. Physician-assisted suicide disproportionately affects individuals that are white, educated, and insured; not leading to the exploitation of marginalized populations. Increased development of palliative care has been seen in countries that legalized physician-assisted suicide. Lastly, from the physician perspective, there is more physician support for legalization of physician-assisted suicide over ethical justification and participation. Therefore, the legalization of physician-assisted suicide provide individuals with the opportunity of a safe medical procedure but should not force doctors or patients to participate if they do not desire to do so.
Students' Information
Kennedy Spiering, Biochemistry major, Honors minor, Psychology minor, 2022