Read the case study below.
Case Study: The Right to Die
Mrs. Smith is a 72-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She has been given only a few months to live and is experiencing severe pain and discomfort. Mrs. Smith has expressed a desire to end her life before her suffering becomes unbearable. Her husband and children are torn between respecting her wishes and the belief that taking one’s own life is morally wrong.
The medical staff treating Mrs. Smith are also divided on the issue. Some believe that it is their duty to relieve her suffering, even if that means helping her to end her life. Others believe that this would be a violation of their professional and ethical obligations to preserve life.
2. Write a 5-10 page paper analyzing the ethical implications of the case study.
3. Your paper should include the following:
a. A brief summary of the case study.
b. A description of the ethical issues raised in the case study.
c. A discussion of the relevant ethical principles and theories that apply to the case study.
d. A consideration of the possible options for resolving the ethical issues in the case study.
e. A conclusion that summarizes your analysis and proposes a course of action.
***Students must use proper APA in this Master’s Level Course***
Questions to Consider:
1. What are the ethical issues raised in this case study?
2. How do the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice apply to this case study?
3. What ethical theories or frameworks might be used to analyze this case study?
4. What are the possible options for resolving the ethical issues in this case study?
5. What course of action do you recommend, and why?