Medical Ethics of Active Euthanasia

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Medical Ethics of Active Euthanasia Abstract This paper explains what active euthanasia is and how it ethically has an effect on the practice of medicine. As time passes there are increasing numbers of terminally ill cases, such as cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. These patients endure physical symptoms other than pain often contributes to suffering near the end of lift. Most physicians and their patients strive to for cures. However, there are some patients who give up and opt to end their life by way of active euthanasia. Is active euthanasia an act of simply letting a patient die in peace and with dignity? Or is it unethical and murder? According to Caplan, Arthur and Snyder, Lois (2002) the United States Supreme Court has ruled that there is no constitutional right to assisted suicide. Active euthanasia is wrong, and this paper will explain why the practice should never be a medical option. Medical Ethics of Active Euthanasia Recently, John Smith, a 65-year-old Ohio man, has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized throughout both his internal organs and musculoskeletal systems. Sadly, the doctor declares that there is no treatment that would cure this illness, and he only has six months to live. Two weeks go by and John becomes extremely ill and is hospitalized. The pain and uncomfortable symptoms of chronic coughing, nausea, vomiting, bleeding and pus filled be sores, head and abdominal pain, and aching muscles are constantly present and unbearable. Despite the despair he hangs on another week. John looks at himself in the mirror and realizes there is nothing left but the soul that sets within who waits to rise. Shortly after the doctor examines John, John miserably says he cannot suffer any longer and wishes to end his life now with the doctor’s assistance. It is evident that John is being faced with an
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