Argumentative Essay: Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide

Extraordinary measures consist of medical procedures and treatments that temporarily replace of supplement essential body functions. Due to their demanding maintenance, high cost and intrusive nature, they are not considered obligatory or morally required. While respirators are wildly accepted as extraordinary measures, this is not the case for feeding tubes (Collier & Haliburton, 2006). Due to the emotional connotation linked to feeding, “the deprivation of hydration and nutrition is often perceived as not letting a patient die, but as killing by starvation” (Collier & Haliburton, 2006). Callahan explains that the withdrawal or refusing of the feeding tube is more morally problematic than that of the respirator as meany believe that “it is
Those who value the sanctity of life would argue that every human life is sacred, which creates a moral obligation to prolong life through artificial administration of food and water. If Dr. R. were to carry out Roberta’s wishes to be admitted to the hospital, this would go against the values he places on both the sanctity of life as well as the goals of medicine. There is much debate on wether or not assisted suicide should be considered an ethical medical practice. Assisted suicide differs from passive euthanasia as the latter is usually performed by a doctor and the death results from the cessation of life-sustaining treatment (Collier & Haliburton, 2006). Assisted suicide occurs when “another person, who may or may not be the doctor, helps the patient set up the conditions for suicide” (Collier & Haliburton, 2006). In this case, death is brought on by the patient and not the doctor. Assisted suicide will be discussed in the case of Roberta and Dr.
Callahan illustrates this point through various situations: If assisted suicide were to become an acceptable means to relieve the suffering of a competent person, would it not be unfair to deny this course of action from a person who suffering but lacks competency? On the flip side, if we truly value autonomy and self-determination, would we not become obligated to grant a competent person’s which for assisted suicide for any reason they see fit? Such possible outcomes rightfully raise concern about this