Euthanasia and physician assisted suicide
Presented by:Eiman Nawaz
Submitted to:Dr Ahmed Naeem
Introduction to
Euthanasia and
Physician-
Assisted Suicide
Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide are complex and
sensitive topics that involve the ethical, legal, and medical
considerations surrounding the end of life. This presentation
will explore the history, various perspectives, and key debates
surrounding these practices.
Historical Perspectives and
Ethical Considerations
Historical Perspectives Ethical Considerations Philosophical Debates
Euthanasia and assisted Key ethical issues include Philosophers and ethicists
suicide have been the sanctity of life, have long grappled with
debated for centuries, personal autonomy, the the philosophical
with varying cultural and role of healthcare underpinnings of
religious views. providers, and the euthanasia and assisted
Perspectives have evolved potential for abuse. suicide, exploring
over time, reflecting Careful deliberation is concepts of dignity,
changing societal values required to balance these suffering, and the right to
and attitudes. complex moral dilemmas. choose one's own fate.
Legal Frameworks and Regulations
1 Global Landscape
Laws and regulations surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide vary
greatly around the world, with some countries legalizing it under specific
conditions and others maintaining a strict prohibition.
2 Evolving Legislation
In recent decades, there has been a gradual shift in some countries towards
legalizing or decriminalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide, often with
strict guidelines and safeguards.
3 Ongoing Debates
Debates continue over the appropriate legal frameworks, the role of the
state, and the balance between individual autonomy and societal concerns.
Medical Perspectives and
Palliative Care
1 Physician Perspectives 2 Palliative Care Approaches
Healthcare providers have diverse Palliative care aims to provide
views on their role in euthanasia and comprehensive support and pain
assisted suicide, with some seeing it management for terminally ill
as a compassionate option and others patients, often as an alternative to
feeling it violates their ethical oath. euthanasia or assisted suicide.
3 Quality of Life Considerations 4 Professional Guidelines
Discussions focus on balancing the Medical associations have developed
relief of suffering with the guidelines and protocols to address
preservation of life and the the ethical and practical challenges
importance of maintaining patient faced by healthcare providers in this
autonomy and dignity. sensitive domain.
Societal Attitudes and Debates
Public Opinion Trends Religious and Cultural Influences
Societal views on euthanasia and Religious beliefs, cultural traditions,
assisted suicide have evolved over time, and personal experiences shape the
with increasing acceptance in some diverse perspectives held by individuals
regions and persistent opposition in and communities on these complex
others. issues.
Advocacy and Activism Ongoing Societal Debates
Organized groups and individuals have Discussions continue on the balance
been at the forefront of advocating for between personal autonomy, societal
or against the legalization and values, and the role of the state in
normalization of euthanasia and regulating the end-of-life choices of
assisted suicide. individuals.
Case Studies and Personal Narratives
Euthanasia Case Assisted Suicide Palliative Care
Studies Narratives Experiences
Real-life examples of Firsthand accounts of Case studies that illustrate
individuals who have terminally ill individuals the role of palliative care
chosen euthanasia, who have opted for in providing comfort, pain
highlighting the personal physician-assisted suicide, management, and support
struggles, ethical exploring their motivations for patients and their
dilemmas, and societal and the complexities families at the end of life.
impacts. involved.
Potential Risks and Safeguards
Coercion Potential for Unequal Access Robust
Abuse Safeguards
Concerns about Concerns that
vulnerable Risk of euthanasia access to The importance of
individuals being and assisted euthanasia and implementing
pressured into suicide being assisted suicide strict guidelines,
euthanasia or misused or may be limited or oversight, and
assisted suicide exploited, biased, creating mechanisms to
against their will. particularly for disparities. protect the
marginalized or vulnerable and
disadvantaged prevent misuse.
groups.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Ongoing Debate Comprehensive Emphasis on
Approach Palliative Care
The discussion around
euthanasia and assisted A balanced approach Strengthening palliative
suicide will likely that considers ethical, care services and
continue, with evolving legal, medical, and ensuring access to high-
perspectives and the societal concerns is quality end-of-life
need for nuanced policy essential in addressing support can help
considerations. these complex end-of-life alleviate suffering and
issues. promote dignity.
