Medical Ethics and The Case of Dr. Kevorkian
Was Dr. Kevorkian behaving ethically as a health care practitioner in assisting euthanasia?
Discuss the ethical considerations in Dr. Kevorkian's actions.
If you were to find out a co-worker was committing similar acts, how would you respond?
Explain the appropriate course of action in such a situation.
The ethics of Kevorkian's actions in assisting euthanasia is subjective, with arguments for both supporting patient autonomy and relieving suffering, and against causing harm by ending lives. If a coworker was found to commit similar acts, it would be advised to refer to workplace and country laws, consult superiors or ethics committee, and prioritize patient rights and safety.
Whether Dr. Kevorkian, a physician known for assisting in euthanasia of terminally ill patients, was behaving ethically as a health care practitioner can be subjective based on personal or cultural beliefs. According to the traditional principles of medical ethics including do no harm (non-maleficence), promote good (beneficence), respect patient autonomy, and uphold justice, Kevorkian's actions could be seen as conflicting. Some argue that he was respecting patient autonomy and promoting good by relieving suffering, but others argue that he was doing harm by ending lives. If a co-worker was to commit a similar act, actions would depend on the legality and policies set in my workplace and country. However, seeking guidance from a superior or the ethics committee and ensuring patient rights and safety are prioritized would be a few actions to consider.