David Kerr's Argument Against Physician Assisted Suicide
They stressed the importance of patient autonomy and noted that if physicians assist at birth, they should also have a role in assisting at death. Which is not a bad philosophy.
On the other hand, opponents of physician suicide argue it would violate the doctor's’ hippocratic oath to “do no harm.” But is making a patient lie in a hospital bed suffering actually not doing any harm? They also argue on a more religions moral that if you commit suicide, you are going to hell. Some individuals are not religious at all, and therefore would not care. Another viewpoint of opponents is they believe doctors will be given too much power if assisted suicide is made legal. However, there is a fallacy in that argument as well. Physician assisted suicide is completed by the patient. Meaning doctors would only be able to write the prescription. Not actually force the patient to take the medication. …show more content…
In David Kerr’s- a cancer doctor of over 30 years- article A Physician’s Perspective on Assisted Suicide he states, “ I have come to understand the need, the duty, and the truth of having excellent end-of-life care. Throughout his article he explains how physician assisted suicide does not go against the hippocratic oath. Like much of the supporters, he examines how supplying the means to end one's life is better than not being compassionate, and making someone suffer for long periods of time. He believes the issue should be decided between the doctor and the patient, much like abortion. Dr. Kerr (2014) does make it clear that he is in favor of this treatment plan. He states, “I have seen enough suffering to last me 1,000 lifetimes. I have witnessed cases so severe, the patients would truly be better off
On the other hand, opponents of physician suicide argue it would violate the doctor's’ hippocratic oath to “do no harm.” But is making a patient lie in a hospital bed suffering actually not doing any harm? They also argue on a more religions moral that if you commit suicide, you are going to hell. Some individuals are not religious at all, and therefore would not care. Another viewpoint of opponents is they believe doctors will be given too much power if assisted suicide is made legal. However, there is a fallacy in that argument as well. Physician assisted suicide is completed by the patient. Meaning doctors would only be able to write the prescription. Not actually force the patient to take the medication. …show more content…
In David Kerr’s- a cancer doctor of over 30 years- article A Physician’s Perspective on Assisted Suicide he states, “ I have come to understand the need, the duty, and the truth of having excellent end-of-life care. Throughout his article he explains how physician assisted suicide does not go against the hippocratic oath. Like much of the supporters, he examines how supplying the means to end one's life is better than not being compassionate, and making someone suffer for long periods of time. He believes the issue should be decided between the doctor and the patient, much like abortion. Dr. Kerr (2014) does make it clear that he is in favor of this treatment plan. He states, “I have seen enough suffering to last me 1,000 lifetimes. I have witnessed cases so severe, the patients would truly be better off