Euthanasia

Killing vs. letting die

• Rachels: No moral difference (Smith/Jones)
• May have duty not to let die, as well as duty not to kill (physician)
• Callahan: Assumes we know and control everything
• Everyone has a duty not to kill others; also duty not to let die in some circumstances

Depends on obligations of physicians

Voluntary/nonvoluntary euthanasia: limits of consent

• Should we ever kill/let die patient who has not requested it?
• Infants, comatose
• Importance of considering issue from point of view of patient
• Should we ever refuse the patient’s request?
• paternalist considerations:  irrational state of mind, impulsive decision, lack of significant benefit to patient
• Rational/irrational suicide

Social implications

• slippery slope
• abuse of vulnerable/minorities
• differences among cultures
• effect on attitudes toward handicapped
• effect on development of cures and painkillers