LAW 6: Ethics at the end of life

Question 1

Define death

Answer 1

• irreversible loss of capacity for consciousness, combined with irreversible loss of capacity to breathe
• brainstem death = death of individual

Question 2

is someone in a persistent vegetative state alive?

Answer 2

• 1993 courts say yes they are alive
• cerebral cortex loses function and activity
• pt retain brainstem function, able to breathe unassisted
• normal sleep-wake cycles
• periods of wakeful eye-opening
• no evidence of awareness
• swallowing reflex may be preserved

Question 3

what is said about withdrawal of treatment?

Answer 3

• is an omission rather than an act
• doctor is returning the patient to the position that they would have been in had they not had treatment
• pt will be thought of as dying of condition rather than treatment

Question 4

what is the sanctity of life opinion?

Answer 4

• it is intrisically wrong to end human life, independent of other considerations BUT life could be of instrumental value rather than intrinsic value

Question 5

what is instrumental value?

Answer 5

valuable because of what it allows for the individual

Question 6

what is the vitalism opinion?

Answer 6

all possible steps should be taken to extend life where possible (e.g. permanent coma)

Question 7

what are the religious views of the end of life?

Answer 7

life is a gift from god, we have a duty to preserve it not dispose of it

Question 8

what is the LAW surrounding the end of life?

Answer 8

it is lawful to case giving medical treatment considering that treatment involves invasive manipulation of the patient’s body to which he hasn’t consented and which offers him no benefit

Question 9

what is the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 9

it is always wrong to do a bad act even though it may have a good result
based on difference between intension and foreseen acts

Question 10

what does the suicide Act 1961 state?

Answer 10

suicide and attempted suicide are no longer crimes BUT you cannot aid, abet, counsel or procure suicide

Question 11

what is euthanasia?

Answer 11

killing someone because, in light of their distressing condition, it is thought to be in their best interest

Question 12

what are the arguments for?

Answer 12

• dignified death

- autonomous choice by pt

Question 13

what are the arguments against?

Answer 13

• doctor performing the euthanasia may feel guilt
• palliative care may provide a more dignified death
• sanctify of life
• slippery slope
• mercy killing being viewed as acceptable