Case Summary
Respect for human dignity is an integral part of the standard of medical professionals’ practice. Brittany Maynard’s case demonstrates the action of the Death with Dignity Act. Brittany, aged 29, was a terminally ill patient and decided to use assisted suicide, for which she was forced to move to another state.
Brittany’s case drew attention to the issue of suffering in patients with terminal conditions leading to imminent death. It pushed several states to consider similar acts for death with dignity (Sanburn, 2019). While the case presents a complex ethical dilemma, it can be considered from the professional position and the individual perspective of a specialist.
Professional Perspective
From a professional position, specialists working with patients, such as Brittany Maynard, should be guided by established laws and standards of practice. Following the Federal Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991, specialists should follow the will of the patient indicated in advance directives or of the designated representative in life-threatening situations (Fremgen, 2019). This approach is consistent with the principle of autonomy, setting medical practice’s ethical standards.
If the patient cannot express their will through these methods, specialists should follow the beneficence principle and take all measures to support life (Fremgen, 2019). Moreover, the established federal and state laws guide healthcare specialists. Only seven states allow assisted suicide; all enable passive euthanasia and prohibit active one (Fremgen, 2019). Therefore, Brittany had to look for a state where specialists could help her implement her decision.
Personal Opinion
From a personal position, I understand Brittany Maynard’s desire to leave peacefully and with dignity, without exposing herself to the suffering of the last stages of the disease. I am convinced that the patient’s wishes are primary in this case, and it is required to show respect for them. Nevertheless, when professional and personal positions contradict each other, for example, if a provider wants to support a patient’s decision about assisted suicide where it is prohibited, standards need to be followed rather than personal beliefs.
Expressing support for patients, the specialist can cooperate with them to consider various options for solving the problem, which will comply with the established standards and laws. Moreover, medical staff can protect the interests of their patients by lobbying for various policies. Therefore, by following their beliefs, which may conflict with standards, a professional can propose and promote a related initiative by describing the benefits of change.
References
Fremgen, B. F. (2019). Medical law and ethics (6th ed.). Pearson.
Sanburn, J. (2015). More States Considering Right-to-Die Laws After Brittany Maynard. Time. Web.
