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Peter Singer's Voluntary Euthanasi A Utilitarian Perspective

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Peter Singer's Voluntary Euthanasi A Utilitarian Perspective
Euthanasia and PAS

Euthanasia and PAS In this paper, the main topic of discussion will be on how Utilitarian theory and Deontology handle the subject of euthanasia and PAS. While both methods have the same effect, PAS (Physician-Assisted Suicide) is performed by the patient injecting a prescribed lethal dose of medication, whereas euthanasia involves the doctor administering the lethal dose. The specific question being addressed in this paper is whether or not these options, PAS and euthanasia, are considered ethical by utilitarian and deontological standards, and I will divide the paper up into two halves, each theory explaining and telling its own perspective. It is my understanding that the utilitarian viewpoint supports the …show more content…
In a paper by Peter Singer entitled, “Voluntary Euthanasia: A Utilitarian Perspective” (2003), he concludes that the “utilitarian case for allowing patients to choose euthanasia, under specified conditions and safeguards, is strong.” In the body of his paper, he discusses the different conditions and safeguards that would have to be met in order for this to be allowed in reference to utilitarianism. These conditions and safeguards include mandating palliative care specialists to attempt pain relief techniques, and requiring the patient to undergo a psychiatric evaluation to ensure they are in a mental state capable of making coherent decisions. With these conditions and safeguards in place to prevent decisions being made while in constant pain that could be relieved, or decisions being made while clinically depressed, there seems to be no reason as to why a patient shouldn’t be allowed to choose euthanasia or PAS as an end of life option if the net happiness that would result from them continuing to live is outweighed by the pain and suffering the patient would have to
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