Topic: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Explain the topic and its legal impact on nursing.

Euthanasia refers to the act of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering, while assisted suicide involves providing the means for a person to end their own life. The legal status of these practices varies widely across jurisdictions, with significant implications for nursing.

In places where euthanasia or assisted suicide is legal, nurses may face ethical dilemmas regarding their participation. They may be involved in assessing patient eligibility, administering life-ending medications, or providing post-procedure care. Nurses must understand the specific legal framework, including eligibility criteria, required documentation, and potential legal protections for healthcare providers.

Conversely, in jurisdictions where these practices are illegal, nurses may encounter situations where patients express desires for euthanasia or assisted suicide. In such cases, nurses must be prepared to address these requests compassionately and ethically, while respecting the law and upholding patient dignity.

Take a position on the topic and include literature evidence to support your position.

Position: I support the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide under strict guidelines.

The decision to end one’s life is deeply personal and should ultimately rest with the individual, provided they possess the requisite mental capacity to make such a decision. When faced with intractable suffering, individuals should have the autonomy to choose a dignified end to their lives.

Studies have shown that patients with terminal illnesses often experience significant physical and psychological suffering. Legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide can provide a compassionate option for those who have exhausted all other treatment possibilities. Moreover, it can alleviate the burden on families and healthcare providers who are often faced with the challenges of end-of-life care.

However, it is essential to establish rigorous safeguards to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable populations. These safeguards should include independent medical assessments, counseling, and waiting periods to ensure that the decision is voluntary and informed.

Use one Model to develop your thought process on the subject. Summarize the decision-making model you employed and the process used to arrive at your position.

Decision-making Model: Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness and well-being. In the context of euthanasia and assisted suicide, a utilitarian approach would consider the potential benefits and harms to all parties involved, including the patient, family, and society as a whole.

By legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide under strict guidelines, we can potentially increase the overall well-being of society by relieving suffering, respecting individual autonomy, and reducing the burden on healthcare resources. While there are potential risks, such as the vulnerability of certain populations, these can be mitigated through careful regulation and oversight.

Define and include at least one of the four major ethical principles as they pertain (or do not) to your topic.

Autonomy: This principle respects individuals’ rights to self-determination and decision-making. In the context of euthanasia and assisted suicide, autonomy is central to the debate. The ability to make informed choices about one’s end-of-life care is a fundamental human right. Legalizing these practices would uphold this principle by granting individuals the power to determine their own fate.