ETHICAL GROUNDS FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE. (Case Study Sample)

Ethical Considerations for Physician-Assisted Suicide Name Institution of Affiliation Date Clinical depression is a symptom of Huntington Chorea and has been lauded as a cause for suicide in the early stages of diagnosis as well as middle stages when independence is lost and assisted care commences (Walker, 2007). That John suffered from depression prior to the diagnosis could have exacerbated an already precarious situation. Furthermore, consideration should also be made given that he still has a couple of full and functional years of life left before degenerating to the advanced and debilitating stages. On these grounds, the medical team should provide treatment for the acute condition the note notwithstanding. Additionally, given his impairment to give direction on his preferred mode of treatment, the wife who is a surrogate and currently unaware of John’s diagnosis assumes the decision making responsibility. Conversely, it is important to note that John had indicated to many people regarding the choice he took than live with the condition. He even requested physician-assisted suicide which was denied. Having seen his mother suffer from the same condition, we can conclude that he was well informed on what to expect and possibly within the right state of mind to make that decision. However, given that he could still lead a quality life for a couple of years as mentioned earlier and more importantly, that he had a supportive family, the core issue seems to be the depression and how best to manage it. In later stages when the depression has been managed and the subject explored with loved o...