Mental disability, rights and tragic dilemmas Flashcards
What are rights
o Rights are a specific form of moral claim that imposes obligations on others. o Many rights are negative rights, about what others may not do to us, e.g. kill, injure or steal from us. o Positive rights instead dictate what others must provide for us, e.g. education, healthcare.
What is the significance of health care being a right or rhetoric
o If healthcare is a moral right, this imposes an obligation on others to ensure adequate healthcare is provided to all humans – however, who does the obligation to ensure this rest with? o Without the institutions to deliver these obligations, a right to healthcare is an empty entitlement, and arguably no more than political rhetoric.
WHat is the significance of a right to life
o Does a right not to be killed imply a right to life? o Is the right absolute? ▪ Withdrawal/withholding of life-sustaining treatment ▪ Assisted suicide ▪ Euthanasia
Explain how anindividual rights is respected
What are rights? o Rights are a specific form of moral claim that imposes obligations on others. o Many rights are negative rights, about what others may not do to us, e.g. kill, injure or steal from us. o Positive rights instead dictate what others must provide for us, e.g. education, healthcare. • Healthcare – right or rhetoric? o If healthcare is a moral right, this imposes an obligation on others to ensure adequate healthcare is provided to all humans – however, who does the obligation to ensure this rest with? o Without the institutions to deliver these obligations, a right to healthcare is an empty entitlement, and arguably no more than political rhetoric. • Is there a right to life? o Does a right not to be killed imply a right to life? o Is the right absolute? ▪ Withdrawal/withholding of life-sustaining treatment ▪ Assisted suicide ▪ Euthanasia • Respecting an individual’s rights only entails acting in ways that benefit that individual. Actions can only be taken if they are in an individual’s best interests. • How can we decide best interests? o Wishes and values of the individual o Prognosis o Physical and psychological impact of treatment o Impact of treatment on quality of life o Impact on the individual’s rights o The previously expressed autonomous wishes of the individual • Who decides what is in an individual’s best interests? o The individual (if they have capacity) o Healthcare professionals o Family o The courts • There is no consensus on whether moral rights exist or whether they are simply rhetorical tools.
