Samuel has a terminal illness that leaves him in a lot of pain and discomfort. He has sought several consultations, all with the same results, no options for treatment other than palliative care. He feels hopeless and discouraged
He wants help in ending his own life. He is seeking physician-assisted suicide as his last option.
a. What is physician-assisted suicide and how does it differ from passive euthanasia?
b. Does Samuel have the right to decide to take his life with the aide of healthcare, in this case, a physician?
Students' answers should include the following:
a. Passive euthanasia can be argued as nature taking its course or a natural progression of life to death. Physician-assisted suicide involves a medical professional easing the suffering of a person in taking his or her own life.
Discussion on the similarities and differences can be discussed here.
b. Discussion on if Samuel has the right to decide can be argued both ways. His right to choose his medical decisions as well as whether suicide is right or wrong.
Also, what can be discussed here are the legalities of the physician assisting in someone's early death when he or she is already dying from a terminal illness and the physician's oath.
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