Name: Rose Jane H.

Obaob Date: 4/26/24

Section Code: N34

Case:

A case of Dax Cowart, a man who was severely burned by an accidental propane explosion refused to
undergo treatments and decided to die. Seeing how the burns disabled the patient, the physicians forced
treatment on him. Though he survived the treatment, he still argues that he should have been allowed to
refuse it so that he could die.

Ethical Question:

1. Is it right for a physician to break a competent patient’s autonomy?

Answer:
Yes, it is right for a physician to break a competent patient's autonomy in certain situations.

2. What is your position on this issue? Write out your claim in a complete sentence.

Answer:
My claim is that while respecting a competent patient's autonomy is crucial, there may be circumstances where
overriding autonomy is ethically justifiable in order to prevent harm or protect the patient's best interests.

3. What is the factual content that can be used as evidence to support your position? This factual content
should be able to be confirmed or refuted regardless of cultural or personal views.

Answer:
a) Medical expertise: Physicians have specialized knowledge and expertise in medical treatments, and their
intervention may be necessary to prevent further harm or save a patient's life.
b) Legal considerations: In some jurisdictions, there are legal frameworks that allow for the overriding of patient
autonomy in situations where there is a risk of serious harm or when the patient lacks decision-making capacity.
c) Ethical guidelines: Ethical guidelines, such as the principle of beneficence, emphasize the importance of
promoting the well-being and best interests of the patient. In certain cases, this may require overriding autonomy
to prevent harm or ensure the patient's best outcome.

4. What are the views and interests of the individuals or groups affected by the decision that you think are
most relevant to your position?

Answer:
The views and interests of the competent patient, their family, and the healthcare professionals involved are
most relevant to the decision. The patient's perspective on their own autonomy and the desire for control over
their medical decisions should be considered. Additionally, the interests of the patient's family and loved ones
who may be affected by the patient's decision should be taken into account. Healthcare professionals, who have
a duty to provide the best possible care, also have a vested interest in ensuring the patient's well-being.
5. What ethical considerations can be included as evidence to support your position? (Respect for Persons,
Maximize Benefits/Minimize Harms, Justice)

Answer:
a) Respect for Persons: Respecting a competent patient's autonomy is important, but it should be balanced with
other ethical considerations to ensure the best outcome for the patient.
b) Maximize Benefits/Minimize Harms: The principle of beneficence requires healthcare professionals to act in
the best interest of the patient and prevent harm. In certain cases, overriding autonomy may be necessary to
maximize benefits and minimize harms.
c) Justice: Ensuring fairness and equal treatment for all patients is an ethical consideration. In some situations,
overriding autonomy may be necessary to uphold justice and ensure that all patients receive appropriate and
necessary care.

6. Take the answers to Questions #1-4 and write a strong justification paragraph for your decision on the
topic. Make sure to use the evidence (such as the scientific facts and ethical considerations) in support of
your claim in a way that shows your reasoning.

Answer:
While respecting a competent patient's autonomy is a fundamental ethical principle, there may be
circumstances where overriding autonomy is ethically justifiable. In the case of Dax Cowart, the physicians
made the difficult decision to force treatment on him to prevent further harm and save his life. This decision was
based on their medical expertise, legal considerations, and ethical guidelines that prioritize the well-being and
best interests of the patient. By overriding autonomy, the physicians were able to maximize benefits and minimize
harms, ensuring that Dax Cowart received the necessary care to survive and potentially have a better quality of
life. While autonomy is important, it must be balanced with other ethical considerations, such as beneficence
and justice, to ensure the best outcome for the patient. Therefore, in certain situations, it is ethically justifiable
for a physician to break a competent patient's autonomy.