Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Many fear that if euthanasia is legalized, it will be difficult to define and develop clear-
cut guidelines that will serve as the basis for euthanasia to be carried out. Furthermore,
once any form of euthanasia is accepted by society, its detractors fear that many other
problems will arise. Even the acceptance of passive euthanasia could, if carried to its logical
conclusion, be applied in state hospitals and institutions for the mentally handicapped and
the elderly. Such places currently house thousands of people who have neither hope nor any
prospect of a life that even approaches normality. Legalization of passive euthanasia could
prompt an increased number of suits by parents seeking to end the agony of incurably
afflicted children or by children seeking to shorten the suffering of aged and terminally ill
parents. In Nazi Germany, for example, mercy killing was initially practiced to end the
suffering of the terminally ill. Eventually, however, the practice spread so even persons with
the slightest deviation from the norm (e.g., the mentally ill, minority groups such as Jews and
others) were terminated. Clearly, the situation is delicate and thought provoking.
2.5 TAKING CONTROL
Medical care decisions can be tremendously difficult. They often involve unpleasant topics
and arise when we are emotionally and physically most vulnerable. Almost always these
choices involve new medical information that feels alien and can seem overwhelming. In an
attempt to assist individuals to make these decisions, it is often helpful to follow these steps:
1. Obtain all the facts—that is, clarify the medical facts of the situation.
2. Understand all options and their consequences.
3. Place a value on each of the options based upon your own set of personal values.
A LIVING WILL
TO MY FAMILY, MY PHYSICIAN, MY CLERGYMAN, MY LAWYER:
If the time comes when I can no longer take part in decisions about my own future, let this state-
ment stand as testament of my wishes: If there is no reasonable expectation of my recovery from
physical or mental disability, I request that I be allowed to die and not be kept alive by artificial
means or heroic measures. Death is as much a reality as birth, growth, maturity, and old age—it is
the one certainty. I do not fear death as much as I fear the indignity of deterioration, dependence,
and hopeless pain. I ask that drugs be mercifully administered to me for the terminal suffering even
if they hasten the moment of death. This request is made after careful consideration. Although this
document is not legally binding, you who care for me will, I hope, feel morally bound to follow its
mandate. I recognize that it places a heavy burden of responsibility upon you, and it iswith the inten-
tion of sharing that responsibility and of mitigating any feelings of guilt that this statement is made.
Signed ______________________________________________________
Date ______________________________________________________
Witnessed by ________________________________________________
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