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Did The Doctor Do the Right Thing?

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Did The Doctor Do the Right Thing?

Introduction
A landmark euthanasia case on medical practice in relation to euthanasia in the
Netherlands has brought up a moral dilemma that is widely debated around the world
(The Guardian, 2019). A medical professional who was a qualified doctor was
dragged to court for euthanizing a patient with advanced dementia. The patient had
previously expressed her desire to die when she was still mentally competent (The
Guardian, 2019). The case raises questions about the morality of euthanasia and the
ethics of ending the life of a patient with dementia. My answer to this question is that
the doctor's decision to euthanize the patient with advanced dementia was morally
justifiable, however the decision cannot be without its own share of controversy as
ultimately the answer to whether the doctor did the right thing depends on one's moral
and ethical principles.
From a utilitarian perspective, the doctor's decision to euthanize the patient can
be justified. Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that advocates for the greatest
happiness for the greatest number. In this case, the doctor's decision to euthanize the
patient can be seen as promoting happiness by ending the patient's suffering and
fulfilling her wishes. The patient was suffering from advanced dementia, and the
disease had severely impacted her quality of life. The patient had expressed a desire to
die while she was still competent, and her family members had agreed with her
decision. By ending the patient's life, the doctor was able to prevent her from
experiencing a prolonged period of suffering. From the reading by Mills in the class
reading, we can back this claim with the quote:"The duties imposed by virtue or the
essence of virtue are unrelated to the concept of usefulness. (Mill, 1863). " The
connection between this quote and the argument is that this quote from Mill
emphasizes the importance of promoting happiness and reducing suffering. In this
case, the doctor's decision can be seen as promoting happiness by ending the patient's
suffering and fulfilling her wishes.
From a deontological perspective, the doctor's decision to euthanize the patient
can be justified. This argument can be backed by its principles. Deontological ethics
is a moral philosophy that focuses on the duty to act in a particular way, regardless of
the consequences. In this case, the doctor's decision to euthanize the patient can be
seen as respecting the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions about her own
body. The patient had expressed a desire to die while she was still competent, and the
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doctor followed the legal requirements for euthanasia in the Netherlands, including
obtaining a second opinion from another doctor. Bentham (1781) backs this argument
by stating: "The principle of utility does not mean that any given pleasure, as music,
for instance, or any given exemption from pain, as, for example, health, are to be
looked upon as means to a collective something termed happiness and to be desired
on that account." "They are desired and desirable in and for themselves; besides being
means, they are a part of the end" (Bentham, 1781). This quote from Bentham
emphasizes that the desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain are inherent in
human nature. In this case, the patient was seeking to avoid prolonged suffering and
pain. The doctor's decision to euthanize the patient respected her autonomy and right
to make decisions about her own body, which can be seen as a way of promoting
pleasure and avoiding pain.
Conclusion
The ethical question of whether the doctor did the right thing in administering
euthanasia to the patient is a complex one with no easy answer, however my answer
to this question is that the doctor's decision to euthanize the patient with advanced
dementia was morally justifiable.
To summarize all paragraphs :it is clear from the first argument in paragraph one
that a utilitarian perspective, the doctor's decision to administer euthanasia can be
justified as a means to alleviate the patient's pain and distress. However, from a
deontological perspective as articulated by paragraph two, euthanasia is seen as a
violation of the sanctity of life and the Hippocratic Oath, making the doctor's actions
in this case ethically wrong.
On a personal account, I feel that This case highlights the difficult ethical
decisions that medical professionals sometimes face when treating terminally ill
patients. It is important for doctors to carefully consider the ethical implications of
their actions and ensure that they are acting in the best interests of their patients while
upholding their ethical obligations as medical professionals.
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References

Bentham, J. (1781). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.

Retrieved February 22, 2023, from
https://historyofeconomicthought.mcmaster.ca/bentham/morals.pdf

The Gurdian . (2019, August 26). Netherlands euthanasia case: Doctor 'acted with
Best Intentions'. The Guardian. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/26/doctor-on-trial-landmark-
euthanasia-case-netherlands-dementia

Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism John Stuart Mill - McMaster Faculty of Social

Sciences. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from
https://socialsciences.mcmaster.ca/econ/ugcm/3ll3/mill/utilitarianism.pdf