Ethics Essay: Euthanasia continued....
Speaking to Mrs Thompson
Mrs Thompson needs to be supported in her painful task of
assisting her husband to face and come to terms with his inevitable death and
separation from his wife and family. As she comes to me seeking help this is my
role as well as to assure her of the sanctity of her husband's God-given life
and the presence of God with them both in their suffering. In that respect I
must support her in her belief that euthanasia is wrong and encourage her to
talk to the nurse about what exactly she meant by her statements. Pain relief
comes in different forms depending on the type of pain involved and not all
pain relief is life shortening. Mrs Thompson needs support in establishing the
type of pain relief being offered and also to establish the intention of the
nurse and doctor involved in her case.
She needs to be sure that when her husband dies she has
nothing with which to reproach herself. The grief process often includes a time
of guilt and Mrs Thompson needs to be sure that she does not feel guilty
unnecessarily. So it is important for her to be as clear as possible in her own
mind that the treatment Mr Thompson receives is the best he can get and that
she gives the best she can offer to him at this time.
This may include considering whether or not being admitted
into the care of a hospice might be best for him. It would probably be best for
Mrs Thompson, but if it is not what Mr Thompson wants then it will not help
either of them and then she needs to have as much medical support as she can
have.
The situation which has arisen with Mrs Thompson being
unsure of the intention of the medical professional involved in her case is
precisely the concern which would arise if euthanasia were to be legalised. In
the case of abortion, which is the other end of the scale from euthanasia,
while the mother has a choice, the child has none. In the case of euthanasia
while it might be argued that the patient has a choice, in reality the threat
of unasked for medical intervention could add stress and discomfort to an
already stressful situation. As long as it is unlawful the patient is protected
and can make his requests for death, borne out of extreme pain, in the sure
knowledge that they will not be acted upon.
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