ROEVEL PAUL D.

QUIRAO

What are the bioethical issue/s in this case?

Based on the article, the bioethical issue in this case is about an individual who
chooses death over living because of sorrow or grief. This is evident in the case of
Mr. Edward Downes and his wife. However, I think the issue is really about choosing
to die—choosing death because there are means available and with doctors or
workers willing to do or “assist” the procedure. This might be euthanasia but Mr.
Downes isn’t dying, his wife is.

What are the bioethical principles involved in this case?

Dignity - This is the value humans have simply by virtue of the fact that they are
human being. Thus I think that Mrs. Downe felt that she doesn’t feel like a human
being anymore because of her terminal Illness. She might have chosen death by
suicide because her illness—together with her old age would also mean death but
only a little later. She might have thought that it isn’t human to suffer this kind of
illness during her old age and wanted it to stop.

Autonomy – This is the decision making process in relation to health care. It is hard
to respect and fulfil the wishes of patients who want death whether they might be
already dying or just wanted to die. However, because of autonomy, healthcare
professionals are obligated to respect autonomous choice. It is about respecting
people’s decision how to live their lives and also the manner on which they choose
to die.

What is your moral judgement and how did you arrive at this judgement?

If it is a terminal illness, I would first exhaust all medical options, treatment options
—any chance or procedures available to save the patient. Although I’m thinking,
what would be the life of this patient be like if they were saved? Is it a life worth
living? I don’t know. Anyway, I’m also thinking that if I were to assist in suicide of
the patient, I would make sure to tell my lawyer about it and ask about legal
implications of the matter. And if there’s none, I would not go with the procedure
right away, but I would go to the patient and present all other options besides dying
—anything available if there’s any. But if there’s none, a physician is bound with
autonomy and I would let my patient choose on the way they like to die