Ethics Essay: Euthanasia continued....
The Case History
Mrs Thompson's husband has terminal cancer. You have been
told that he has, at most, 6 weeks to live. Mrs Thompson is naturally very
distressed and - not in good health herself - is finding caring for her husband
at home almost too much of a strain.
Recently, Mr Thompson's condition has become worse. The
nurse has started calling regularly and his pain relieving medication is being
increased. Yesterday the nurse, seeing Mrs Thompson's distress, said
reassuringly 'We won't let him suffer too much. We increase the dose each time
and then after a few visits we will give him a larger dose, and help him die in
peace.'
Mrs Thompson has recently heard a sermon, which left her in
no doubt that 'euthanasia', was wrong. Was this what the nurse was planning for
her husband?
How should she react to this proposal?
In her anxiety
she comes to you for help. What can you say to Mrs Thompson?
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