Why do you think that withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment (life support) is unethical?
2007-11-07 10:45:42 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
i don't. i think it's dignifying
2007-11-07 11:35:44 · answer #1 · answered by Arabian Dune 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When you become a Doctor you make a vow to save lives . By withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment you are in turn breaking your vow. That is unethical to give your word and than withdraw it. Like signing a contract and breaking it but worse.
2007-11-07 20:53:01 · answer #2 · answered by Collette C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From whose point of view? The medical profession has a dilemma in that it should do nothing that 'worsens' the patients condition, yet do YOU think it is worsening a patients condition if their quality of life is nil? Would you wish to die or see someone you love dearly die if they are living in a torment of pain and agony? Most religious doctrines argue against the above. Your dilemma is taking a position on this issue and defending it but remamber it is a dilemma and there are no true answers only perspectives.
2007-11-07 20:08:54 · answer #3 · answered by graham a 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow. Interesting question. But I'm the wrong person to substantiate your premiss.
As a human being, I have my own feelings on this subject. As a Registered Nurse with 25+ years experience, I have my own feelings on this subject. We all have a right to our own opinions and decisions regarding the use of "heroics".
I have seen "heroic" measures used when it is entirely wrong to use them, even cruel.
My feeling is that each individual has the right and obligation to choose what they would want done in a life-threatening situation. As a nurse, it has been my obligation to follow the requests of the individuals, regardless of my feelings.
But ask yourself this: just why are we using these heroic measures? To allay our feelings of guilt? Because we want to keep the person alive for our own selfish reasons? Will their life have any quality to it?
I could go on for hours on this subject, but I think you get my gist here.
Good luck.
2007-11-07 20:14:26 · answer #4 · answered by diannegoodwin@sbcglobal.net 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't. I have left instructions to be pulled off of them...let me die in dignity. I have a lung disease. What good is life-sustaining treatment going to do me????
2007-11-07 20:04:49 · answer #5 · answered by missellie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's done against the patients will then I think the answer is obvious.
2007-11-07 20:34:15 · answer #6 · answered by U Betcha 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋