According to theDeath with Dignity National Center, ” The greatest…
Question According to theDeath with Dignity National Center, ” The greatest… According to the Death with Dignity National Center, ” The greatest human freedom is to live, and die, according to one’s own desires and beliefs” (“Death with Dignity National Center”2021). I believe that as an individual, I should have the final say when it comes to my final wishes and end of life care, so this does not create a ethical dilemma for me. Elizabeth H. Dobbins, a professor of nursing at Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee, stated that palliative care has been proven to result in a higher quality of life, emotional and spiritual support, and patient and family well-being (Dobbins, E. H. 2016). Dobbins went on to explain that evidence suggests that patients receiving palliative and hospice care live longer when compared with similar patients who do not receive those services (Dobbins, E. H. 2016). Although I do agree that as an individual, I should live, and die, according to my own desires and beliefs, I think that my choice should be backed up by evidence-based practice guidelines that have been proven to result in the most effective and painless outcome, particularly at the end of life. I do not agree with a person having the choice to voluntarily stop eating and drinking as a way to control how and when they die. For example, I feel that it is completely moral and just to refuse treatment that is not guaranteed or proven to be beneficial and instead turn to palliative care options. Paul T. Menzel, Ph.D., a Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Pacific Lutheran University, described how refusing lifesaving treatment differs from refusing food and water by mouth which ensures death (Menzel, P. T. 2017). Menzel went on to explain that even when the treatment that is refused is suitably seen as “lifesaving,” one does not know with absolute certainty that death will occur (Menzel, P. T. 2017). By refusing to eat or drink, a person is not allowing death to happen on its own or let nature take its course, yet they are premeditating it. 150 WORDS Do not write using: we, you, your, this, that, it, they, he, she, it, etc. Health Science Science Nursing NSG 3340 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)
